A hat-trick from star striker Victor Osimhen propelled the Super Eagles of Nigeria to a 6-0 victory against São Tomé and Principe in their final Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) Group A qualifier, at the Nest of Champions in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State.
Nigeria featured a front-two of Osimhen and Taiwo Awoniyi in attack, with Ademola Lookman and Kelechi Iheancho supporting on the flanks. For the visitors, captain Luis Leal and Marcos Barbeiro started up-front.
The Super Eagles started the stronger of the two sides, with star striker Osimhen heading Nigeria ahead in the 13th minute.
Winger Ademola Lookman added a second for Nigeria with a neat finish, before Striker Taiwo Awoniyi made it 3-0 in the 51st minute.
The Nigerians weren’t stopping there and Osimhen scored a penalty in the 69th minute after a foul in the box.
Then 10 minutes later, Osimhen then completed his hat-trick in sensational style to cap off a brilliant individual display.
The Napoli striker’s ruthlessness in front of goal proved the difference as Nigeria were coasting to victory.
Winger Samuel Chukwueze also got in on the scoring in the second half to make the scores 6-0 as Nigeria ran riot to an emphatic victory.
The Super Eagles have now sealed its place at the top of Group A on 15 points, scoring 22 goals in the six (6) matches in Group A.
We wrap up our #afcon2023qualifiers in style. Thank you for your support #soarsupereagles #letsdoitagain pic.twitter.com/bl2lxqADiX
— 🇳🇬 Super Eagles (@NGSuperEagles) September 10, 2023
The victory concludes an unbeaten qualifying campaign for the three-time African champions. Nigeria’s leading man Osimhen ends qualifying as Nigeria’s top scorer with 10 goals from just five (5) appearances.
Nigeria now turn focus to claiming the Africa Cup of Nations title in Cote d’Ivoire. With talents like Osimhen leading the charge, Nigeria will head into the tournament as one of the favourites.
Sunday’s AFCON Qualifier results
Nigeria 6-0 São Tomé and Principe
Togo 3-2 Cape Verde
Gambia 2-2 Congo Republic.
