Nigeria vs Sao Tome and Principe: 5 players who inspired Super Eagles vs the Falcons in the first leg

Victor Osimhen is number 3 on the Top 10 Super Eagles all-time top scorers list (IMAGO)

Nigeria vs Sao Tome and Principe: 5 players who inspired Super Eagles vs the Falcons in the first leg

Izuchukwu Akawor 14:27 - 07.09.2023

Nigeria Super Eagles and Sao Tome and Principe face off again in the AFCONQ2023 after the reverse fixture ended in a massacre led by Victor Osimhen.

Nigeria Super Eagles are back in the country ahead of the final round of matches in the Total Energies AFCONQ 2023.

The Super Eagles will this weekend host their counterparts from Sao Tome and Principe in a dead rubber in Uyo, Akwa Ibom.

Sao Tome and Principe’s Falcons and True Parrots will arrive in the country with revenge on their minds after what happened in the first leg.

The Super Eagles delivered a record-breaking 10-0 win en route to picking one of two tickets for the main event in Cote d’Ivoire early next year.

Ahead of that second and final leg this Sunday, Pulse Sports Nigeria has revisited that game in Agadir to highlight some of the standout performers.

Here are five players who inspired the Super Eagles on that historic evening in the Moroccan city.

The Super Eagles are currently staying at the Four Points by Sheraton Hotel in Akwa Ibom State's Ikot Ekpene Local Government Area.

Ahmed Musa

While the invitation of the skipper was another key talking point heading to that clash, Ahmed Musa did his talking on the pitch.

Musa was one of five substitutes who came on that historic day and he made an impact alongside Emmanuel Dennis.

Ahmed Musa
Ahmed Musa needed just 32 minutes to help destroy the Falcons. (Photo Credit: Ahmed Musa/Instagram)

The 30-year-old, in 32 minutes, created seven chances and made five key passes en route to setting up two goals for two assists.

He completed 20 of 23 passes and four of his chances created were big chances.

Ademola Lookman

Another player who gave Sao Tome and Principe nightmares was Atalanta BC forward Ademola.

Lookman started the game and lasted 71 minutes before he was retired to the bench by Jose Peseiro.

Ademola Lookman
Ademola Lookman's only goal for Nigeria came against Sao Tome and Principe. (Photo Credit: Imago)

However, before he departed, the 25-year-old scored one and assisted another goal while he also created four chances and made three key passes.

Victor Osimhen

The tormentor-in-chief, the slayer of the Falcons and True Parrots, Victor Osimhen.

If there is one man who might be man-marked in Uyo, it is the SSC Napoli hero after what he did to Sao Tome and Principe.

Victor Osimhen
Victor Osimhen was the tormentor-in-chief the last time Nigeria faced Sao Tome. ( Photo Credit:IMAGO)

Nigeria Super Eagles scored 10 goals and Osimhen was involved in a whopping six of them.

The 24-year-old scored four goals and assisted two more in 90 minutes while also making three key passes.

Terem Moffi

On the pitch for 71 minutes, the France-based striker ensured the Falcons will never forget the role he played on the day.

Moffi helped himself to two goals on the day but while he made three key passes, his teammates did not take the chances to let him get at least an assist.

Terem Moffi/Instagram

He was subbed off in the 71st minute with Umar Sadiq taking over his spot.

Oghenekaro Etebo

The former Stoke City man was the schemer in midfield alongside Alex Iwobi for Nigeria and the Super Eagles.

Peter Etebo
Super Eagles midfielder Peter Etebo was the main man in midfield against Sao Tome and Principe. (Photo Credit: Imago)

He was the man who controlled things for Nigeria on the ball as he kept things simple and flowing for the Eagles.

Etebo completed an incredible 96 per cent of his passes, created one chance, made a key pass from 97 touches and completed 100 per cent of his passes.

Alex Iwobi
Alex Iwobi and Emmanuel Dennis also performed well for the Super Eagles. (Photo Credit: Imago)

The 27-year-old, who also made three interceptions, sealed an excellent performance with arguably the goal of the day when he made it 5-0 with a delicious free-kick goal.

Key Note:

Only Victor Osimhen and Ademola Lookman from this list made it to the 23-man squad released by coach Peseiro to face Sao Tome and Principe in the second leg this weekend.

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