Victor Osimhen Nets Hat Trick as Nigeria Wallop Sao Tome and Principe in AFCON Qualifiers

• Victor Osimehen found the back of the net three times as Nigeria thrashed Sao Tome and Principe in Uyo
• The Napoli of Italy striker continues with his blistering scoring form for the Super Eagles
• Ademola Lookman, Taiwo Awoniyi and Samuel Chukwueze were all on the scoresheet in the rout

Nigeria have sealed qualification to the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations slated for Ivory Coast in January following a 6-0 win over Sao Tome and Principe in the final qualifying match.

Heading into this fixture, Jose Peseiro's side had confirmed their place in next year's Africa Cup of Nations tournament, but they needed to guarantee top spot in Group A of the qualifying series.

It was a one-sided affair from start to finish as Victor Osimhen opened the scoring with a sublime header in the 13th minute, having been left unmarked in the danger area.

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In the 27th minute, Ademola Lookman made a solo run into the danger area to slot home Nigeria's second goal as the Super Eagles took a two-goal lead into the break.

Just six minutes into the second half, in-form Nottingham Forest striker Taiwo Awoniyi scored to make it three-nil, and then Osimhen made it four from the penalty spot in the 70th minute.

Nine minutes later, the Ballon d'Or nominee struck again to complete his hat trick before AC Milan winger Samuel Chukwueze wrapped up the win with a fine finish in the 86th minute. It ended Nigeria 6-0 Sao Tome and Principe.

With 15 points, Nigeria finish top of Group A in the qualifying series, Guinea Bissau are second with 10. Sierra Leone are on 5, while Sao Tome and Principe are rock bottom with just one point.

Recall that Nigeria thrashed Sao Tome and Principe 10-0 when both sides met last year, Channels TV reports.

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Victor Osimhen has now scored 20 goals in 27 games for the Super Eagles. The most goals record stands at 37 goals in 62 games set by the great Rashidi Yekini.

NFF renews Peseiro’s contract

Sports Brief earlier reported that the NFF agreed with Portuguese manager Jose Peseiro continued as Head Coach of Nigeria's National Team, the Super Eagles.

NFF initially included a clause in his original contract in May 2022, that the Portuguese coach is mandated to lead the Super Eagles, at least, to the semi-finals of the next Africa Cup of Nations, which would be held in Cote d’Ivoire.

The former Porto manager has now agreed to continue in the role after accepting a pay cut on his earlier terms, with the new agreement also putting him in charge of the Super Eagles B side as well.