Victor Osimhen today fired a hat-trick for Nigeria to trounce Sao Tome and Principe 6-0 at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium in Uyo and win Group A of the 2023 AFCON qualifying series.
Chukwueze with a nice assist for Osimhen to make it 5-0pic.twitter.com/XE0IGb6jVB
— ꜱᴄᴏᴜᴛ7ᴄᴀʟᴄɪᴏ (@Scout7Calcio) September 10, 2023
The Super Eagles battered the islanders 10-0 last year June in the reverse tie.
Today was again a one-sided game even though the Eagles did not match their biggest ever win.
Nigeria finished top of their group with 15 points from six matches even though second-placed Guinea Bissau on 10 points will only host Sierra Leone tomorrow.
The home team attacked Sao Tome from the first whistle and after 12 minutes had already recorded five corners to underline the pressure they put on their opponents.
It was from the sixth corner taken by Ademola Lookman that Victor Osimhen headed the opening goal in the 14th minute.
Just before the half hour mark, Lookman turned from provider to scorer when he cut in from the left flank and fired home a low shot beyond the diving goalkeeper.
A moment later, the lively Kelechi Iheanacho found the back of the net for Nigeria, but his effort was chalked off for offside.
Taiwo Awoniyi made it 3-0 on 51 Minutes with a spectacular acrobatic goal after he was set up by Iheanacho.
The Super Eagles increased the tally in the 70th minute from the penalty spot through Osimhen after he was brought down inside the box by the goalkeeper on his way to goal.
Osimhen completed his hat-trick on the day on 80 minutes, when he was nicely put through by substitute Samuel Chukwueze.
It was the 10th goal of the 2023 AFCON qualifying tournament by the 24-year-old Napoli striker.
Debutant Victor Boniface set up fellow sub Chukwueze in the 86th minute for an easy finish and the sixth goal of the game.
Super Eagles Starting XI Vs Sao Tome
Francis Uzoho – Bruno Onyemeachi, Ola Aina (Tyronne Ebuehi 73), Semi Ajayi, Calvin Bassey – Wilfred Ndidi (Raphael Onyedika 82), Frank Onyeaka (Joe Aribo 65), Kelechi Iheanacho (Samuel Chukwueze 73), Ademola Lookman – Taiwo Awoniyi (Victor Boniface 64), Victor Osimhen
