AFCON Qualifiers: MTN, ’33’ Reward Osimhen, Lookman As Super Eagles’ Thrill Fans In 6-0 Win Over Sao Tome

By Sports Recorder edition, Monday September 11, 2023.

Over 30,000 fans of the Super Eagles at the Nest of Champions, Uyo on Sunday expected early goals within the first 10 minutes of play but the Falcons of Sao Tome tried to be tougher in the AFCON second leg.

However, Victor Osimhen broke the deadlock in the 13th minutes to signal the beginning of torrents of goals and jubilations for spectators at the overcrowded venue.

It ended 6-0 as the Super Eagles of Nigeria again showed football prowess over Sao Tome and Principe who has played 18 matches without a win.

Nigeria’s Ballon d’Or nominee and Napoli’s favorite striker found the back of the net thrice. The fans did not stop chanting his name as their hero, while teammates, Ademola Lookman, Taiwo Awoniyi, and Samuel Chukwueze scored a goal each.

As a mark of appreciation, a foremost mobile telecommunication company, MTN presented the Most Valuable Player award to Victor Osimhen while another sponsor 33 Larger Beer awarded Ademola Lookman with the Man of the Match award. Both awards were valued at N 1,000,000 each.

After the presentation, 33 brand manager Mr. Hilson Mbara expressed excitement and appreciation to Uyo fans and the Super Eagles.

“We did this presentation because Uyo is very key to us and the Super Eagles as well. This is the game that speaks unity to Nigerians, and speaks connection to lovers of our brand. ’33’ lager is a taste that unites and football is the game that unites all of us. This is why we partner with the Super Eagles as sponsors.

“Today Ademola Lookman has distinguished himself and the award is to motivate the team. We hope they will do more as we advance to the AFCON 2023 Tournament.”

In a post-match briefing, William Barbosa, Physical Coach for Sao Tome and Principe said his side performed very badly but promised the team would prepare better results. His captain Ricardo Cardoso differed.

Cardoso said the new team gathered after the first leg with Nigeria had trained only twice.” last time we played Nigeria we couldn’t have the best players. Now we are building a new team with new players. I can promise that in a long period we will be better”.

Meanwhile, Super Eagles Head Coach, Jose Peseiro said “It was not easy to beat the 10-0 record of the first leg but 6-0 was too much.”

Peseiro praised his boys for showing commitment and scoring up to 6-0 better than the lesser number of goals he expected.