Victor Osimhen nets second Super Eagles hat-trick as Nigeria crush Sao Tome and Principe

• The Super Eagles ended their 2023 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying campaign with a massive win after beating Sao Tome and Principe [6-0] at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium in Uyo on Saturday.

Napoli forward Victor Osimhen bagged a hat-trick while Ademola Lookman, Taiwo Awoniyi, and Samuel Chukwueze added one each as Nigeria made it [16-0] on aggregate against the island nation.

Nigeria had already qualified for the Afcon after winning four of their previous games, including a [0-10] win on matchday two against Sao Tome and Principe.

But another win in Uyo would seal a top spot in Group A for Nigeria, and the Super Eagles found no trouble dismantling the Falcons.

Osimhen opened the scoring in the 14 minute after heading home Lookman's corner before sweeping home a sweet finish 13 minutes later as the Eagles headed to the halftime break with a two-goal advantage.

Awoniyi combined with Kelechi Iheanacho to net Nigeria's third moments after the restart, and Osimhen scored two goals - one from the penalty spot + within ten minutes to make it five for the Super Eagles.

Samuel Chukwueze came off the bench to round up the scoring after he was set up by Bayer Leverkusen's Victor Boniface, who was making his debut.

Nigeria thus qualify as group leaders and will look to claim a fourth continental trophy at the Afcon in Ivory Coast in January.