Osimhen bags hattrick as Nigeria spank Sao Tome 6-0 to end AFCON qualification journey

Victor Osimhen bagged a hattrick as Nigeria spanked Sao Tome and Principe 6-0 in their final 2023 AFCON qualification game at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium, Uyo.

In front of a filled-up and cheering crowd, Napoli hit-man Victor Osimhen was key figure in Nigeria’s resounding win to cap a successful Africa Cup of Nations qualifying series.

Osimhen opened the scoring early in the game when he head home a corner kick from Leicester City forward Kelechi Iheanacho.

Atalanta forward Ademola Lookman scored the second midway through the half as the Super Eagles dominated their less illustrious opponents on Sunday evening in Uyo.

The Eagles dominated every facet of the match with goalkeeper Francis Uzoho a relaxed fellow as the visitors failed to threaten his post.

First half finished Nigeria 2-0 Sao Tome and Principe.

In the second half, Nigeria added four more goals to the delight of the packed crowd at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium, Uyo.

Kelechi Iheanacho beautifully set-up Taiwo Awoniyi to score the third goal with an acrobatic finish.

Osimhen then made it 4-0 from the spot before substitute Samuel Chukwueze played him through on goal to fire home the 5th goal and his hattrick.

German Bundesliga rookie of the month award winner then assisted Samuel Chukwueze to score and complete a 6-0 rout of Sao Tome and Principe.

As it stands, Nigeria have completed the 2023 AFCON qualification journey as top of group A and will be among the participating teams when the tournament proper gets underway in Ivory Coast in January 2024.