Football
Victor Osimhen hits four in Sao Tome demolition
Star striker Victor Osimhen scored four goals and provided two assists to help the Super Eagles of Nigeria increase their chances of qualifying in the demolition of Sao Tome and Principe 10 – 0 in Match Day 2 of the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifiers.
Victor Osimhen’s four goals, Terem Moffi’s brace and goals from Moses Simon, Peter Etebo, Ademola Lookman, and Emmanuel Dennis completed the obliteration at the Stade Adrar in Morocco.
The hosts went into the game aiming to return to winning ways after crumbling 5-1 to Guinea-Bissau in their opening Group A fixture on June 9.
However, it was the Super Eagles who reigned supreme after putting up a commendable attacking showing against the Falcons and True Patriots team.
The West Africans began the match on a bright note by dominating ball possession, but they were unable to get their rhythm in attack at first.
Nonetheless, they got their act straight when the Napoli star opened the scoring after heading Simon’s cross past goalkeeper Anastacio Braganca nine minutes in.
Osimhen thought he had doubled the Super Eagles’ lead in the 21st minute, but referee Osiase Koto ruled that effort out for an offside.
Seven minutes later, Jose Peseiro’s side got their second goal after man-of-the-match Osimhen had set up Nantes man Moses from close range.
In the goal-laden first half, Nigeria raced to a three-goal lead two minutes before the half-time break thanks to Moffi’s first international effort.
After he was set up by Osimhen – who sprinted through Sao Tome’s goal area – the France-based striker cut past Ivonaldo before firing past a stranded Braganca.
Despite their commanding lead, the Super Eagles continued their push for more goals and that paid off in the 48th minute with Lookman supplying the last pass for Osimhen’s second.
Nigeria now lead Group A with six points from two matches, while the Central Africans remain at the base of the log with no points.
The Super Eagles continue their campaign against Guinea-Bissau in September.
