In a resounding display of dominance, the Super Eagles of Nigeria secured their place in the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) with a convincing 6-0 victory over São Tomé and Príncipe. While Nigeria had already qualified for the AFCON, they needed only a draw to top the group. The Super Eagles’ performance left fans ecstatic as they cruised to qualification for the continental tournament without any loss.
Super Eagles’ Dominance
Nigeria initiated the game with dominance right from the blast of the whistle. The Super Eagles displayed exceptional teamwork and skill, leaving their opponents struggling to keep up. With this win, Nigeria not only secured their spot in the prestigious AFCON 2023 but also sent a resounding message to other contenders in the competition.
Victor Osimhen opened the scoring sheet in the 13th minute through a well-placed corner kick by Ademola Lookman. Later in the match, Ademola Lookman scored a fantastic goal, giving Nigeria a two-goal lead heading into the first-half break.
In the second half, the Nottingham Forest striker added another fantastic goal, extending Nigeria’s lead to three goals. Victor Osimhen, who had already earned the title of the tournament’s standout player in the AFCON qualifiers, continued his remarkable performance by scoring two more goals within a span of 10 minutes. He slotted in a penalty in the 70th minute and completed his hat-trick with a wonderful pass from Samuel Chukwueze.
São Tomé found themselves under constant pressure from Nigeria throughout the game, and Samuel Chukwueze later added another goal in the 86th minute.
Victor Osimhen’s Hat-Trick Heroics
Victor Osimhen emerged as the undisputed hero of the match, delivering a sensational hat-trick. His clinical finishing and incredible movement showcased his world-class talent. Osimhen’s performance not only thrilled fans but also solidified his status as one of Africa’s top strikers.
Remarkably, Osimhen has now scored ten goals in the 2023 AFCON Qualifiers and a total of 20 goals for the Super Eagles of Nigeria. This achievement surpasses the records previously held by Obafemi Martins (18 goals) and Ikechukwu Uche (19 goals) in the all-time list of Nigerian goal-scorers. Impressively, Osimhen is now just one goal away from matching Yakubu Aiyegbeni’s tally of 21 goals.
Super Eagles Player Ratings
Francis Uzoho (Goalkeeper) – 5/10: didn’t have much to deal with in the match as São Tomé were pressed throughout the game.
Ola Aina (Right back) – 6/10: Did descent in the game, Aina was good in attack and in defense, he had good chances when going forward.
Calvin Bassey (Center-back) – 6/10: was good on the day and also composed when stringing passes from the back
Semi Ajayi (Center-back) – 6/10: showed charisma when on the ball but didn’t do much as the Eagles were pressing.
Onyemaechi (Left back) – 5/10: didn’t do much in the game
Wilfred Ndidi (Midfield) – 7/10: The Leicester man was good on the day, controlling the midfield and breaking dangerous passes from the opposition.
Wilfred Ndidi (Midfield) – 7/10: The Leicester man was good on the day, controlling the midfield and breaking dangerous passes from the opposition.
Kelechi Iheanacho (Midfield) – 5/10: Leicester City forward, Iheanacho wasted lots of chances.
Ademola Lookman (Midfield) – 8/10: Scored a goal and gave an assist, was good going forward and he disturbed the opponent box.
Taiwo Awoniyi (Center Forward) – 6.5/10: Scored a goal but also missed some clear cut chances.
Victor Osimhen (Center Forward) – 9.5/10: Osimhen was good all round in the match and was unselfish when giving passes to his team mates, the Napoli man got three goals and an assist.
Substitutes
Samuel Chukwueze (Midfield) – 8/10: changed the game totally when he got introduced in the second half, scoring a goal and giving an assist, the AC Milan new signing was good on the day against São Tomé.
Victor Boniface (Center Forward) – 5/10: didn’t do much in the game
