In a dominant display, Victor Osimhen netted a stunning hat-trick as the Super Eagles cruised to a 6-0 victory against Sao Tome and Principe in a 2023 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifier on Sunday, at the Godswill Akpabio Stadium in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State.
Osimhen’s remarkable performance takes his goal tally to 10 in the qualification series, reaffirming his status as a pivotal figure for the Nigerian squad.
Notably, the Super Eagles had previously thrashed the islanders 10-0 in the reverse fixture last June.
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Despite today’s one-sided encounter, the Super Eagles did not match their previous 10-0 win. Nonetheless, Nigeria secured the top spot in their group with 15 points from six matches.
Guinea Bissau, sitting in second place with 10 points, will face Sierra Leone tomorrow in their bid to secure a higher position.
From the very beginning, the home team applied relentless pressure on Sao Tome. Within the first 12 minutes, they had already earned five corners, highlighting their offensive dominance. It was during the sixth corner, delivered by Ademola Lookman, that Victor Osimhen headed in the opening goal in the 14th minute.
Before the half-hour mark, Lookman transitioned from being a provider to a scorer as he cut in from the left flank and unleashed a low shot that beat the goalkeeper.
Shortly after, Kelechi Iheanacho found the back of the net for Nigeria, but his effort was disallowed due to offside.
In the 51st minute, Taiwo Awoniyi displayed his acrobatic skills, increasing the lead to 3-0 after being set up by Iheanacho.
The Super Eagles extended their advantage in the 70th minute when the Ballon D’or nominee converted a penalty after being brought down inside the box while advancing towards the goal.
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Osimhen completed his hat-trick in the 80th minute, courtesy of a precise pass from substitute Samuel Chukwueze.
This remarkable performance by the 24-year-old Napoli striker marked his 10th goal in the 2023 AFCON qualifying tournament.
Debutant Victor Boniface played a pivotal role, setting up fellow substitute Chukwueze in the 86th minute for an effortless finish, sealing the game with a sixth goal.
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Nigeria has now secured its place at the 2023 AFCON, which will be hosted in Côte d’Ivoire. With 15 points from six games, the Super Eagles hold a three-point lead over Guinea-Bissau in the group standings.
Next, the Super Eagles will face Guinea-Bissau in their final group game on September 14, 2023.