Osimhen’s Hat-Trick Powers Nigeria to 6-0 Victory Against Sao Tome in AFCONQ

In an AFCON 2023 Group A qualifying match at Uyo’s Godswill Akpabio stadium on Sunday, Victor Osimhen, a Ballon d’Or nominee, achieved a remarkable feat by scoring a hat-trick as Nigeria’s Super Eagles thrashed Sao Tome and Principe 6-0.

The Napoli striker opened the scoring and later added two more goals during the second half, treating the Uyo crowd to an impressive performance, under the management of Jose Peseiro, who recently renewed his contract. Peseiro made some changes, resting vice-captain William Troost-Ekong in favor of Bruno Onyemaechi.

Osimhen’s first goal came just 14 minutes into the game when he headed in Ademola Lookman’s corner kick. The Atalanta winger, Lookman, doubled the lead with a splendid solo effort in the 27th minute, leading to a flurry of goals in the second half.

Taiwo Awoniyi extended the lead with a well-placed shot into the corner, and Osimhen added two more goals in quick succession, one from a penalty and another with a clever poked finish. With this hat-trick, Osimhen’s tally in the qualifiers reached 10 goals, making him the top scorer in the series.

A late goal by substitute Samuel Chukwueze sealed the victory for the Super Eagles. This win not only secured their position as Group A winners but also guaranteed their spot in the upcoming AFCON scheduled to take place in Ivory Coast next year.