The Super Eagles convincingly defeated Sao Tome 6-0 in their final Group A AFCON qualifier. Osimhen, Awoniyi, Lookman, and Chukwueze all found the net, with Osimhen securing yet another hattrick in the match.
In a much-anticipated AFCON qualifiers’ second-leg clash, The Super Eagles hosted Sao Tome at their home ground. Despite having already secured their spot in the AFCON tournament, Nigeria aimed to conclude the qualifiers with a commanding performance.
From the very outset, Nigeria asserted their dominance, with the action beginning in just the 2nd minute. Wilfred Ndidi connected with a precise Kelechi Iheanacho corner kick, delivering a powerful header that forced an impressive save from Sao Tome’s goalkeeper.
The Super Eagles continued to press forward, and in the 6th minute, Taiwo Awoniyi received a delightful pass from Iheanacho, taking a first-time shot that was expertly blocked by a Sao Tome defender.
In the 11th minute, the first yellow card of the match was brandished to Sao Tome’s Adjackson Ramos after a reckless foul on Frank Onyeka.
Nigeria’s relentless pressure paid off in the 14th minute when Victor Osimhen found the back of the net from a corner, rising above the defense to meet Ademola Lookman’s delivery. This goal marked Osimhen’s eighth in the AFCON qualifiers, making him the leading scorer in the tournament.
Controversy arose in the 22nd minute as Taiwo Awoniyi went to ground, appealing for a penalty after what appeared to be a clear push by a Sao Tome defender. However, the referee waved away the protests.
Nigeria continued to showcase their attacking prowess, with Lookman adding to the tally in the 28th minute. Cutting in from the left and unleashing a precise right-footed strike, he found the bottom corner to make it 2-0.
Although Kelechi Iheanacho later netted what seemed like a third goal with a beautifully executed team move, it was disallowed due to an offside position.
The Super Eagles maintained their dominance and created chances until the halftime whistle, leading 2-0.
The second half commenced much like the first, with Nigeria extending their lead in the 51st minute. Taiwo Awoniyi netted a spectacular volley off his chest, securing his third international goal, courtesy of another splendid assist by Iheanacho.
Nigeria’s control over the game prompted their first substitution, with Victor Boniface making his debut in place of Awoniyi, and Joe Aribo replacing Frank Onyeka.
In the 70th minute, Nigeria was awarded a penalty after Osimhen was fouled by the Sao Tome goalkeeper inside the box. Osimhen converted the spot-kick with composure, securing his ninth goal in the AFCON qualifiers.
Sao Tome made their first substitution in the 71st minute, introducing Eba Veigas for Denilson Silva, but struggled to create opportunities.
The Super Eagles made further changes, with Chukwueze coming on for Iheanacho and Ebuehi replacing Ola Aina in the 73rd minute.
In a display of their dominance, Osimhen completed a remarkable hattrick with an assist from Chukwueze, making it 5-0.
Nigeria made another substitution as Onyedika replaced Ndidi in the 82nd minute.
Chukwueze added to the scoreline in the 86th minute to make it 6-0 with an assist from Boniface, capping off an impressive debut.
The Super Eagles controlled the match with finesse, concluding their AFCON qualifiers with 15 points, topping their group, and Osimhen leaving with yet another match ball as the standout performer.
