Victor Osimhen on Monday netted a hat-trick as Nigeria again rose to the occasion in continental football with the 4-0 demolition of Libya in the return leg tie of the U23 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) decided at the Stephen Keshi Stadium, Asaba.
Nigeria following a 0-2 loss they had suffered in Tunisia, qualified for the U23 AFCON scheduled to take place in November 4-2 on aggregate.
The Libyans were on the defensive in the better part of the game as the Dream Team VII were on the rampage in their bid to restore the national pride.
First choice, Francis Uzoho, who was in goal last Friday when the Super Eagles pipped the Pirates of Seychelles 3-0 also at the same venue, was a delight to watch this time in the colours of the U23 Eagles.
He alongside Osimhen, Chinedu Awaziem and Valentine Ozonwanfor were drafted to the U23 squad by Nigeria manager, Gernot Rohr and the quartet did not disappoint. After a few missed chances, Osimhen opened the floodgate of goals in the 31st minute when he pounced on a loose ball past the Libyan goalkkeeper off Kelechi Nwakali’s freekick.
Three minutes later, Osimhen hit the woodwork with a terrific shot with Libyan keeper already beaten.
Osimhen, 2013 FIFA U17 World Cup Golden Boot winner with record 10 goals also hit the woodwork before break, but he later made it a brace in the second half.
The Wolfsburg player tapped the ball into the net following a blunder by the Libyan goaltender, who misjudged a cross in the 66th minute.
Osimhen completed a hat-trick in the 82nd minute when after collecting a through pass shot beyond the reach of the visitors keeper to put Nigeria ahead on aggregate.
Three minutes later, Osimhen was denied a fourth goal through the sheer brilliance of the Libyan keeper after the lanky striker connected a cross from captain Ikechukwu Azubuike in the box.
Osimhen turned out to be the nemesis of Libya on the day as he also superbly backheeled the ball for lurking substitute David Okereke to finish during added time.
Meanwhile, the victorious Dream Team players will apart from the match bonus would be awaiting the N4million largesse from Nigeria captain, Ahmed Musa, who had promised to reward the team with N1million for every goal scored against Libya.
