Super Eagles of Nigeria wrapped up the 2023 African Cup of Nations qualifiers with a comfortable 6-0 victory against São Tomé and Príncipe at Nest of Champions, Uyo, Akwa-Ibom state capital, on Sunday.
A hat-trick from Napoli striker, Victor Osimhen, and a goal each from Ademola Lookman, Taiwo Awoniyi, and substitute, Samuel Chukwueze ensured the team finished top of Group A ahead of Guinea Bissau.
Both Nigeria and Guinea Bissau, who will host Sierra Leone on Monday, qualify for the finals, which will host in Côte d’Ivoire between 13th January and 11th February next year. It will be the 34th edition of the continent’s flagship competition, which Nigeria had won thrice –1980 (in Lagos), 1994 (in Tunis) and Johannesburg (in 2013).
In the qualifiers, Nigeria five matches, losing the only match at home in Abuja by a lone goal to Guinea Bissau.
Among the teams that have already qualifiers for the finals in Côte d’Ivoire are defending champions Senegal, record title winners Egypt (seven titles), Morocco, Algeria, South Africa, Burkina Faso, Tunisia and the host nation.
In all, 24 nations with be at the finals.