In a resounding display of football prowess, the Super Eagles of Nigeria triumphed over São Tomé and Príncipe with an impressive 6-0 victory, culminating their 2023 AFCON qualification campaign in style.
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The match, held on Sunday, September 10, at the electric Godswill Akpabio International Stadium in Uyo, witnessed an outpouring of support from the passionate Akwa Ibom fans, a gesture that did not go unnoticed by head coach José Peseiro.
Expressing his gratitude in a post-match interview, Peseiro hailed the Akwa Ibom crowd for their unwavering support and the charged atmosphere they created within the stadium.
He also commended the excellent playing surface and accommodations provided in Uyo, emphasizing the overall warmth and hospitality extended to the Super Eagles.
“I would like to thank the people of Akwa Ibom State for the honor bestowed on us,” remarked the Portuguese-born coach. “The atmosphere inside the stadium was good, and the fans were fantastic too. I want to say thank you to them. The pitch here is fantastic, and the hotel too.”
While Nigeria had already secured qualification for the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations in Ivory Coast, they approached this match with determination and a commitment to excellence.
This approach yielded an impressive result, with goals from Victor Osimhen (3), Ademola Lookman, Taiwo Awoniyi, and Samuel Chukwueze securing a resounding 6-0 win for Peseiro’s squad.
Peseiro also lauded the dedication and fighting spirit displayed by his players throughout the match. He acknowledged that it can be challenging to maintain focus against a less formidable opponent, but his team’s unwavering commitment shone through.
“My players showed commitment, I pushed them to do well. Normally when you play against a team that is not strong, everybody relaxes,” Peseiro explained.
“In this game, they didn’t relax; they put up a spectacle from the first minute to the last; they were fighting. They played a good game, and we won 6-0, which was good.”
Notably, this match marked Nigeria’s return to the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium in Uyo since 2019, when they defeated Benin Republic 2-1.
The fervent support and outstanding performance showcased by the Super Eagles left an indelible mark on this memorable occasion.
Looking ahead, Nigeria is set to face Lesotho in a 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifier scheduled for November 2022, with fans eagerly anticipating another spectacular display of Nigerian football prowess on the international stage.
