Osimhen sets AFCON qualifier record with Sao Tome hat-trick

Super Eagles ace Victor Osimhen found the back of the net thrice in Nigeria's AFCON qualifier clash against Sao Tome and Principe. 

His goals were part of a 6-0 victory that confirmed Nigeria as group winners, increasing the probability of a favourable draw in next year's tournament in Ivory Coast. 

On a personal note, the hat-trick took the Napoli striker's tally to 10 goals, five more than the next best. This all but ensures that he finishes the campaign as the top scorer, a feat he also achieved in the previous AFCON qualifiers.  

The former Wolfsburg striker has been on a record-setting spree over the course of the past 18 months, establishing himself as one of the best strikers on the continent. 

Osimhen's 10 goals in a single AFCON qualifying campaign are the most by any player from the continent in at least the last two decades, according to TransferMarkt. 

He already equalled Tunisia's Issa Jemaa, Algeria's El Arbi Hillel Soudani, and his compatriot Odion Ighalo, who all scored seven goals in different campaigns. His hat-trick today took him head and shoulders above the rest.

Another record that is certainly on Osimhen's mind is becoming the all-time top scorer for the Super Eagles. His hat-trick today took him up to fourth place, but he remains 17 goals behind the late legend Rashidi Yekini.