CAF U-23: Osimhen’s Hat-Trick Qualifies Nigeria For Final Qualifying Phase

Victor Osimhen’s hat-trick ensured Nigeria U-23 beat their Libyan counterparts 4-0 on Monday in Asaba and qualify 4-2 on goals aggregate for the final phase of the CAF U-23 Nations Cup qualifying series.

Nigeria, who lost the first leg 2-0 last week in Tunisia, needed to score three un-replied goals but scored four to guarantee their qualification.

Osimhen started the goal rush on 34th minute when he pounced on a loose ball in the area to put Nigeria on the lead. The team who hit the woodwork four times in the first half doubled their lead on 68th minute also through osimhen who again pounced on a loose ball by the Libya goalkeeper.

He got his third of the match with eight minutes left when he finished superbly after being put through by Nwakali.

David Okewreke ended any hope of a comeback by the Libyans scoring the fourth by tapping in the ball when Osimhen back heeled to him in third minute of the added time.

Nigeria will now bew able to defend their CAF U-23 Cup of Nations coming up in November in Egypt.

The team are four million naira richer now as Super Eagles stand-in captain, Ahmed Musa had promised One million naira for each goal the team scores.

Nigeria will play the winner of the Kenya/Sudan fixture in the final round of qualifiers in June, with the winner eligible for a place at the 3rd Africa U-23 Cup of Nations in Egypt in November. The three –top placed teams at that championship will represent Africa at the Men’s Football Tournament of the 2020 Olympics in Tokyo.

Meanwhile, Coach Imama Amapakabo has promised to prepare the team adequately for the next phase of the championship.

The team captain, Azubuike Okechekwu thanked Asaba fans for their support which he said helped them to beat Libya 4-0.

Meanwhile, hat-trick hero, Osimhen also thanked the fans for their support, and also thanking his teammates for helping him bag three goals in the match.

“l am happy with my performance but the most important thing is the team. The captain was integral to our win,” he said

source:Independent