Osimhen scores four in Sao Tome demolition

Nigeria brightened their chances of qualifying for the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations with a massive 10-0 destruction of Sao Tome and Principe on Monday afternoon.

Victor Osimhen’s four goals, Terem Moffi’s brace and goals from Moses Simon, Peter Etebo, Ademola Lookman, and Ahmed Musa 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 masterpiece against the Falcons and True Patriots team.

The West Africans began the eight-goal thriller on a bright note by dominating ball possession, however, they were unable to get their rhythm in attack.

Nonetheless, they got their acts right when Napoli star opened the scoring after heading Simon’s cross past goalkeeper Anastacio Braganca.

Osimhen thought he had doubled the Super Eagles’ lead in the 21st minute, albeit, referee Osiase Koto ruled that 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 Osimehen – who sprinted through Sao Tome’s goal area – the France-based striker cut Ivonaldo before firing past a stranded Braganca.

Despite their commanding lead, Super Eagles continued their push for more goals and that paid off in the 48th minute with Lookman supplying the last pass.

The harvest of goals continued five minutes before the hour mark after England-based Etebo curled home a beautiful free-kick that was unstoppable by the goalie.

Moffi completed his brace five minutes later by poking home a cross from Zaidu Sanusi.

Former England youth international Lookman opened his Nigeria account after capitalising on a poor goalkeeper by Sao Tome and Principe goalkeeper before Osimhen wrapped up the game with his third and fourth goal while Musa netted from the penalty mark in the highly-entertaining fixture.

Nigeria now lead Group A with six points from two matches, while the Central Africans remain at the base of the log with no point.

The Super Eagles continue their campaign against Guinea-Bissau in September.