AFCON Qualifiers: Osimhen grabs a hat trick as Nigeria thrashes Sao Tome

Nigeria has qualified for the 2024 African Cup of Nations competition after grabbing a 6-0 win over Sao Tome on Sunday, September 10.

The Super Eagles of Nigeria dominated the game and pinned Sao Tome back during the opening minutes of the game.

With Sao Tome buckling under the pressure, Nigeria took the lead in the 13th minute as Osimhen scored his eighth goal of their qualifying campaign. From a corner situation, Osimhen rose highest to head home in the middle of the penalty area.

The Super Eagles doubled their lead in the 27th minute. After a passing move on the edge of the Sao Tome area, Ademola Lookman made way inside the box before letting off a shot that beat the opposition goalkeeper at his near post.

The match ended 2-0 as the teams went into the halftime break.

With the pressure mounted by the Super Eagles in the early stages of the minutes of the second half, they were able to extend their lead.

Taiwo Awoniyi added his name on the scoreboard with a right-footed shot from the centre of the box to the centre of the goal which was assisted by Kelechi Iheanacho.

The Super Eagles were awarded a penalty in the 68th minute after Osimhen was fouled by the Sao Tome goalkeeper inside the area. The Napoli striker was able to convert the penalty kick, giving the Super Eagles their fourth goal of the match.

Osimhen completed his hat trick 10 minutes from time, with a right-footed shot from the centre of the box to the bottom right corner, which was assisted by Samuel Chukwueze.

Nigeria added a sixth goal in the 84th minute, after infiltrating the Sao Tome penalty area. In an inviting position inside the area, Chukwueze’s left-footed shot beat Ronaldo Silva at his far post.

The game wrapped up the Super Eagles 2024 AFCON qualifiers campaign. They also finished as group leaders with 15 points from six matches ahead of Guinea Bissau. Both countries will be playing at the tournament in Cote D’Ivoire in January 2024.