Osimehn bags hattrick as Nigeria completes 16-0 aggregate win over São Tomé and Príncipe
Nigeria secured a resounding 6-0 victory against São Tomé and Príncipe in their final Group A match of the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations Qualifiers at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium on Sunday, September 10, 2023.
Napoli striker Victor Osimehn delivered a spectacular hat-trick, supported by goals from Ademola Lookman, Taiwo Awoniyi, and Samuel Chukwueze.
This comprehensive win allowed Nigeria to complete an astonishing 16-0 aggregate triumph over their opponents, following their earlier 10-0 victory in the first leg at Adrar Stadium, Agadir, in June.
Nigeria seized control of the game from the outset, with the breakthrough coming just 13 minutes in.
Ademola Lookman’s exceptional corner delivery found Victor Osimehn, who outmaneuvered his marker to execute a powerful header, giving Nigeria the early lead.
Kelechi Iheancho played a pivotal on the flank, orchestrating Nigeria’s attacks. In the 27th minute, he set up Lookman, who skillfully dribbled past defenders to deliver a precise shot into the net.
The Super Eagles maintained their dominance in the second half, and within six minutes of the restart, Iheanacho executed a brilliant lofted pass to find Taiwo Awoniyi.
The Forest striker controlled the ball with his chest before unleashing a shot, further extending Nigeria’s lead to 3-0.
In the 69th minute, Osimehn secured his second goal of the match, and Nigeria’s fourth, from the penalty spot after being fouled in the box by goalkeeper Ronaldo Silva.
Manager Jose Peseiro introduced AC Milan’s Samuel Chukwueze and Empoli’s Tyronne Ebuehi in the 73rd minute, signaling Nigeria’s intent to entertain the 30,000 fans in the stadium with more goals.
Just six minutes later, a delightful midfield combination resulted in Chukwueze setting up Osimehn for his third goal, completing a memorable hat-trick.
Chukwueze himself joined the scoresheet shortly after, capitalizing on an assist from debutant Victor Boniface to seal a 6-0 victory for Nigeria.
With this emphatic win, Nigeria secured the top spot in Group A, rendering the outcome of the match between Guinea-Bissau and Sierra Leone on Monday, September 11 irrelevant to the final standings.
Osimehn’s Record-Breaking Achievement
Victor Osimehn’s remarkable performance not only contributed to the victory but also solidified his position as one of Nigerian football legend.
His hat-trick marked his 20th goal for Nigeria in just 26 games, surpassing the previous records held by Obafemi Martins (18) and Ikechukwu Uche (19).
Osimehn now ranks fourth on the list of Nigeria’s all-time highest goal scorers, trailing behind Yakubu Ayegbeni, Segun Odegbami, and Rashidi Yekini, who have 21, 22, and 37 goals respectively.
