Victor Osimhen was the hero for Nigeria’s U-23 team, as the forward plundered three goals to help the team to a 4-0 victory, and 4-2 aggregate result over the Libyan U-23 team in Asaba.
Oshimhen, who was drafted into the U-23 side alongside Victor Ozorwanfor, Francis Uzoho and Chidozie Awaziem from the Super Eagles team played out of his skin, as he also played privided the assist to David Okereke to score the fourth of the match.
The first real chance for Nigeria presented itself to Taiwo Awoniyi, but the on-loan Liverpool striker narrowly missed at point-blank range. Kelechi Nwakali then crashed the bar with a lovely free-kick, as the Nigerian team kept knocking at the Libyans defense.
As the match approached the half-hour mark, the Dream Team VII opened the scoring through Osimhen. The striker provided an poacher’s touch to the ball after Libya’s goalkeeper spilled another superb Nwakali free-kick.
In the 41st minute, the bar denied Nigeria another goal and a chance to double their lead after Chukwueze’s inswinging free-kick from the far-right hit the top of the bar.
Imama Amapakabo’s lads were levelled after Ebube Duru’s cross was mishandled by the goalkeeper, leaving Osimhen with a simple tap-in. The striker bagged his hat-trick to see Ngeria lead on aggregate, slotting into the net via a lovely Nwakali through ball.
Osimhen turned provider late on in the game as his his deft back-heel pass across the face of goal found substitute Okereke who converted from close range.
Imama Amapakabo’s boys have now progressed to the final round the 2019 African Cup of Nations qualifier where they take on the winner between Sudan and Kenya.
