Super Eagles 6-0 Sao Tome: Nigerians accuse Osimhen of stat padding in AFCON Qualifier

The Super Eagles of Nigeria recorded a comfortable 6-0 victory against the Parrots of Sao Tome and Principe in their final 2023 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifier on Sunday, September 10, 2023.

The Super Eagles had a full-capacity crowd at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium in Uyo thanks to Governor Umo Eno who made tickets free.

The Super Eagles recorded a 10-0 victory against Sao Tome and Principe the last time the two sides met in Agadir Morocco.

Hoping for a repeat performance, Jose Peseiro who recently extended his contract with the Super Eagles put out four attackers.

It was Napoli striker Victor Osimhen who broke the deadlock in the 14th minute heading in a cross by Ademola Lookman.

Lookman received a ball from captain Wilfred Ndidi to score the second as the Super Eagles went to the halftime break with a massive lead.

To start the second half, Nottingham Forest striker Taiwo Awoniyi continued his good form dispatching the third.

Osimhen had his brace for Nigeria's fourth from the penalty spot.

New AC Milan recruit Samuel Chukwueze assisted Osimhen to score the fifth and get a hattrick.

Bayern Leverkusen hot forward Victor Boniface assisted Chukwueze for the sixth as the Super Eagles wrapped up a comfortable victory.

Following the victory, Napoli striker Osimhen rose to the top of the trends on social media.

The 24-year-old was charged by the Confederation of Africa Football (CAF) ahead of the final game and ended up delivering.

With his three goals against Sao Tome and Principe, Osimhen ended the qualification series with 10 goals and the top scorer award.

There were mixed reactions to his performance on social media.

There were some fans who believed that Osimhen stayed in the game to add more goals to the tally.

There are fans who believe that with qualification already secured, Super Eagles head coach Peseiro could have tested out some new names in the national team instead of playing Osimhen for 90 minutes against Sao Tome.

One of the invited players yet to make his debut is Gent forward Gift Orban who watched from the bench as Osimhen featured for all 90 minutes.

Orban is one of the most sought-after prospects in world football and getting him integrated with the national team was a priority.

Osimhen chasing Yekini?

There have been conversations about Osimhen chasing the record held by the late Rashidi Yekini to become the top scorer for Nigeria.

After staying on the pitch for 90 minutes against Sao Tome Osimhen now has 20 goals with the national team.

As he gets close, some fans now belive it is only a matter of time before he surpasses Yekini.