Osimhen hits hat-trick in 6-0 rout of Sao Tome & Principe

The Super Eagles concluded their 2024 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying campaign yesterday with a convincing 6-0 win over hapless Sao Tome and Principe at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium in Uyo. In-form striker, Victor Osimhen who netted four goals in the 10-0 rout in the reverse fixture in Agadir was again the hero as […]

The Super Eagles concluded their 2024 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying campaign yesterday with a convincing 6-0 win over hapless Sao Tome and Principe at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium in Uyo.

In-form striker, Victor Osimhen who netted four goals in the 10-0 rout in the reverse fixture in Agadir was again the hero as he hit a hat-trick to take his tally against the Falcons and True Parrots to seven goals.

From the blast of the whistle, the Super Eagles went in search of early goals but it was in the 13th minute that Osimhen lifted highest in the box to nod in the opening goal of the one sided encounter.

In the 27th minute, the Super Eagles doubled their lead through Lookman Ademola who found himself on the edge of the visitors’ box after a passing move and slotted the ball beyond the reach of the opposing goalkeeper.

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The Super Eagles went into the break with a 2-0 lead and returned from the break with the same tempo as they pegged back their opponents in their half.

There was no stopping the Eagles as Taiwo Awoniyi, assisted by Kelechi Iheanacho made it goal number three for the Super Eagles in the 51st minute before Osimen bagged his brace in the 68th minute from the spot.

The insatiable striker then completed his hat-trick 10 minutes to the end of the match before substitute Samuel Chukwueze completed the rout of the visitors with a left-footed strike in second half added minutes.

Meanwhile, the Minister of Sports, Senator John Enoh, who watched the match live has congratulated the Super Eagles on the emphatic victory.

He said the Eagles who had rewarded their teeming supporters with a good performance should bring home the AFCON next year.

“On the behalf of all Nigerians, I congratulate the Super Eagles for making the country proud with such an incredible performance. While this wraps up our qualification gracefully, I want to charge the team to go out against all odds in Ivory Coast next year.

“We want the AFCON trophy to land in Nigeria and all hands will be on deck to make this happen,” he stated.

The AFCON is billed to take place in Ivory Coast in January, 2024.