Unbelievable! Osimhen scores Hat Trick To Set Up A Place For Nigeria In The Playoffs
By PHC Telegraph
Nigeria’s Super Eagles this evening at the Goodwill Akpabio International Stadium Uyo, Akwa Ibom State, came from behind in a competition it had put up a lacklustre performance to give their countrymen a glimmer of hope that they will be heading to the World Cup.
Nigeria defeated Benin Republic by 4 goals to 0, placing second in Group C with 17 points.
Victor Osimhen, Galastaray’s top goal poacher opened scores for his country in the 3rd minute of the first half. It was a curtain raiser which showed the Nigerians meant business, especially after the Eagles failed to impress in the opening rounds of the World Cup qualifiers when they lost to Benin.
With one goal in the kitty, Nigeria continued to push, throwing men on the wings and the midfield forward.
The ovation in the stadium, following the first goal hailed by fans had barely died down when star striker Osimhen made it a brace in the 35th minute.
Fans in and outside the stadium went into a frenzy inspired by Osimhen who stood like a Colossus in attack and raised the never-die- spirit of the nation.
Scores at half time was Nigeria 2, Benin Republic 0.
On the resumption of hostilities in the second half, the Super Eagles seized the initiative. Precisely in the 51st minute, Nigeria’s talisman, Osimhen was on song when nodded in a header to score a hat trick.
Benin rallied back as time went swiftly by, but the iron-clad defense of the Eagles was impenetrable, with the Nigerian goalie, Wabali, on holiday through out the match.
Towards the end of the match, Nigeria brought in fresh legs to strengthen its “win-win” onslaught.
Akor Adams who bailed Nigeria out in Rwanda came in as a replacement. It was however Frank Onyeka whose effort paid off.
Onyeka scored the fourth and final goal, a goal which further gave Nigeria an edge over Benin which finished with 17 points in Group C, but had a goal difference that did not pose a threat to the Nigerians.
It was the South Africans, thankful to Nigeria, who emerged leaders of Group C with 18 points, but Nigeria would go on to play in the playoffs in November for space to join the continent’s World Cup qualifiers.
“Victor Osimhen is truly playing for his country”, The Port Harcourt Telegraph wrote on X as the match progressed in the second half, “See how he’s made it count!”
“We called for the disbandment of the team. Our anger has turned to joy. It may be a little too late but 2 late wins give our football loving nation hope”, the Telegraph added.