September 10, (THEWILL) – Nigeria’s Super Eagles finished their 2023 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying campaign in commanding fashion on Sunday evening, demolishing Sao Tome and Principe 6-0 at the Godswill Akpabio Stadium.
The dominant Nigerians controlled proceedings from the outset, pinning Sao Tome in their own half during the opening exchanges. Victor Osimhen broke the deadlock in the 13th minute, rising highest to head home from a corner. Ademola Lookman doubled Nigeria’s advantage in the 27th minute with a composed finish after a slick passing move.
After Taiwo Awoniyi continued the scoring in the second half, Osimhen grabbed his second in the 69th minute from the penalty spot after he was fouled by the Sao Tome keeper. Samuel Chukwueze came in as a substitute to assist Osimhen in completing his hat trick before rounding off the scoring late on to put the gloss on a resounding victory.
The emphatic win sees Nigeria top their qualifying group with 15 points regardless of what happens in the match between Guinea-Bissau and Sierra Leone on Monday. With Osimhen and Lookman on song, the Super Eagles appear in ominous form ahead of the finals in Ivory Coast in 2024. The hapless Sao Tome, who Nigeria beat 16-0 over both legs, ended their campaign firmly rooted to the foot of the table.
Nigeria’s attacking talent was too hot for Sao Tome to handle, as the island minnows were simply outclassed. The Super Eagles turn their attention to the Cup of Nations finals, as they seek to claim their fourth continental crown.
Jude Obafemi is a versatile senior Correspondent at THEWILL Newspapers, excelling in sourcing, researching, and delivering sports news stories for both print and digital publications.
