U23 AFCONQ Nigeria 4 Libya 0: Osimhen Nets Hat-Trick As Defending Champions Demolish North Africans

Nigeria U23s completed a delightful comeback mission in ruthless fashion with a 4-0 trouncing of Libya at the Stephen Keshi Stadium on Monday to qualify for the next round round of the U23 AFCON qualifiers.

Francis Uzoho, Valentine Ozornwafor, Chidozie Awaziem and Victor Osimhen who were drafted in from the first team all starred from the off for the team in Asaba as they quickly got off the blocks in a bid to get the business done very quickly.

After Kelechi Nwakali saw an effort go wide five minutes in, Victor Osimhen was next to threaten, directing a shot very close to the Libya goalkeeper before the Arsenal youngster struck the woodwork with a fine effort.

Nigeria's persistence eventually paid off four minutes past the half hour when Osimhen profited from a loose ball to rattle home his first of the afternoon.

The enterprising Samuel Chukwueze also saw a free kick come off the post as Nigeria threw everything forward in search of more goals.

And Imama Amapakabo's men leveled up the tie deep into the second half thanks to an error from the opposition goalkeeper, Murad Alweehi who fumbled a save for the quick Osimhen to steal in and score again.

The comeback was soon in the bag thanks to the brilliance of the Wolfsburg man who rounded off a good day's work with a treble after some good work from Nwakali to lay it on a plate.

David Okereke, on for Taiwo Awoniyi, took little time to cap off the rout with another well taken goal and send the home fans into raptures.

Starting XI Vs Libya : Francis Uzoho, Etiboy Akpan, Valentine Ozornwafor, Chidozie Awaziem, Ebube Duru, Kelechi Nwakali, Azubuike Okechukwu, Orji Okonkwo, Victor Osimhen, Taiwo Awoniyi, Samuel Chukwueze.

Emmanuel Chinaza