By Akinwale Kasali
The Super Eagles of Nigeria have set an unprecedented record in the footballing history of the country by scoring 22 goals in their six matches at the 2024 African Cup of Nations qualifiers.
The Coach Jose Peseiro- tutored team made this history following a 6-0 win over the Falcons and Parrots National Team of São Tomé and Principe.
At the blast of the whistle for the commencement of hostilities at the Godswill Obot Akpabio International Stadium in Uyo, Akwa Ibom, the vociferous crowd made this presence known charging the Super Eagles to victory, and sending fear and jittery into the spines of their Central African visitors.
As early as the 13th minute, Napoli Football Club of Italy striker, Victor Osimhen opened the floodlight of goals with a powerful head to send the filled to capacity crowd into wild jubilation.
14 minutes later, Atalanta Football Club of Italy winger, Ademola Lookman added the second, as the Super Eagles dominated the match all through the half.
Six minutes into the second half, Nottingham Forest Football Club of England forward, Taiwo Awoniyi scored Nigeria’s third goal, before Osimhen recorded his brace from the penalty spot, having been fouled by the São Tomé and Principe goalkeeper.
A lovely combination of passes between AC Milan of Italy winger, Samuel Chukwueze and Osimhen led to the fifth goal and Osimhen’s hat-trick, to increase his goal tally at the AFCON qualifiers to 10.
Chukwueze how we added the sixth goal of the night after been set up by Bayer Leverkusen Football Club of Germany striker, Victor Okoh Boniface.
Coach Peseiro started the game with Francis Uzoho in goal, with Olaoluwa Aina, Calvin Bassey, Oluwasemilogo Ajayi and debutant, Bruno Onyemaechi in the defense.
In the heart of the midfield as Frank Onyeka, Wilfred Ndidi, Kelechi Iheanacho and Ademola Lookman, while Taiwo Awoniyi and Victor Osimhen led the attack.
Boniface and Raphael Onyedika earn their debut for the Super Eagles by coming in as second half substitute for Awoniyi and Ndidi, while Tyronne Ebuehi, Joe Aribo and Samuel Chukwueze came in for Onyeka, Iheanacho and Aina respectively.
With the victory, Nigeria ended the qualifiers as leaders of the Group with 15 points, scoring a record 22 goals from six matches and conceding just four goals.
