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Victor Osimhen netted a hat-trick as the Super Eagles convincingly defeated Sao Tome and Principe 6-0 in a 2023 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifier on Sunday!
The Napoli striker’s goals took his qualification series tally to 10 as the dominant Super Eagles triumphed over an outmatched opponent at the Godswill Akpabio Stadium in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State.
Osimhen initiated the scoring for the Super Eagles in the 13th minute when he calmly slotted the ball past Sao Tome’s goalkeeper. Ademola Lookman from Atalanta extended Nigeria’s lead three minutes before the half-hour mark.
As Coach Jose Peseiro’s team continued to pursue a third goal, both teams entered the halftime break with the scoreline standing at 2-0.
Upon resuming the game, the 2013 African champions maintained their dominance in possession, relentlessly launching one attack after another.
Their dominance eventually paid off when Nottingham Forest striker Taiwo Awoniyi found the back of the net from close range, tripling Nigeria’s advantage in the 51st minute against Sao Tome’s goalkeeper.
Notably, Osimhen added to his tally with his second goal of the day in the 69th minute, completing his hat-trick just ten minutes later, bringing his total goals in the qualification series to 10.
The introduction of Samuel Chukwueze around the 72nd-minute mark bolstered the Eagles’ attacking prowess, and the AC Milan player wasted no time in scoring.
Chukwueze’s 85th-minute strike secured one of the Super Eagles’ most significant victories in recent times. Nigeria had previously defeated The Falcons and True Parrots Team 10-0 in the reverse fixture last June, resulting in an aggregate score of 16-0.
With this victory, Nigeria has solidified their position as the champions of Group A in the qualifiers for the upcoming Ivory Coast tournament scheduled for next year.
Nigeria competed in six matches on their path to securing qualification for the competition. They emerged as group leaders with 15 points, having suffered only one defeat against Guinea Bissau, who narrowly defeated them 1-0 earlier in the year.
