Osimhen Scores Hat Trick As Super Eagles Thrash Sao Tome In Final AFCON Qualifier
By Amaechi Agbo
Super Eagles of Nigeria rounded off their 2023 Africa Cup of Nations, AFCON qualifier in grand style with a 6-0 thrashing of Sao Tome and Principe in their final Group A match with Napoli of Italy striker, Victor Osimhen netting a hat trick.
Osimhen who scored a haul in the first leg in June last year, opened the goal rush in 13th minute following Kelechi Iheanacho’s assist in the match held at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium, Uyo in Akwa Ibom State.
His fellow Italian Serie A player, Ademola Lookman scored the scored in 27th minute as the Jose Pesiero led lads went into the half time break two-nill up.
Nottingham Forest of England striker, Taiwo Awoniyi made it 3-0 six minute into the second half before Osimhen scored from the box after he was pulled down by the Sao Tome goalkeeper on the 70th minute.
The introduction of Samuel Chukwueze added more bites in the Eagles attacking lineup as he assisted Osimhen’s third goal.of the match on the 79th minute
Chukwueze also had his name on the score sheet after he converted Victor Boniface’s assist with the goalkeeper at his mercy.
The victory ensured that Super Eagles finished that AFCON qualifying campaign as Group A leaders with 15 points from six matches Guinea Biussau are second with 10 points but they play Sierra Leone on Monday.
The 2023 AFCON will hold in Cote 3 in January 2024.