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AFCON2023Q: Osimhen Scores Hattrick As Nigeria Maul Sao Tome 6-0

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Victor Osimhen scored thrice as the Super Eagles dispatched Sao Tome and Principe 6-0 in a 2023 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifier on Sunday.

The strikes took the Napoli hitman’s tally to 10 in the qualification series as the rampant Super Eagles soared over a helpless foe at the Godswill Akpabio Stadium in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State.

Osimhen opened the scoresheet for the Super Eagles in the 13 minute when he slotted past the Sao Tome goaltender. Atalanta’s Ademola Lookman scored three minutes from the half-hour mark to double Nigeria’s lead.

While Coach Jose Peseiro’s side sought a third goal, the teams headed into the tunnel for half-time with the scoreline pegged at 2-0.

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On resumption, the 2013 African champions continued to enjoy the lion’s share of possession, launching attack after attack.

Their dominance eventually paid off as in form Nottingham Forest striker Taiwo Awoniyi beat the Sao Tome goalkeeper from close range to triple Nigeria’s advantage in the 51st minute.

Not done, Osimhen scored his second of the day in the 69th minute and had his hattrick ten minutes later to take his tally in the qualification series to 10.

Samuel Chukwueze’s introduction around the 72th-minute mark added more firepower to the Eagles’ attacking line. The AC Milan man wasted no time to score.

Chukwueze’s 85th-minute strike sealed one of the biggest wins for the Super Eagles in recent times. Nigeria had earlier defeated Sao The Falcons and True Parrots Team 10-0 in the reverse fixture last June, taking the aggregate score to 16 zero.

With the win, Nigeria sealed their spot as the winners of Group A in the qualifiers for the Ivory Coast tournament billed for next year.

Nigeria played six matches en route to qualification for the competition. They lost one and won other games to finish as group leaders with 15 points. Their only defeat was against Guinea Bissau who pipped them 1-0 earlier in the year.

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Ex-Super Eagles Coach, Oliseh Gets IFAB Appointment

Oliseh confirmed this appointment via his official X account on Monday.

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Former Super Eagles coach, Sunday Oliseh, has landed a new role with the International Football Association Board, IFAB.

IFAB is the global guardian of football’s laws, responsible for determining the laws of football, shaping the beautiful game for players and fans worldwide.

Oliseh confirmed this appointment via his official X account on Monday.

He wrote: “Thrilled to announce my appointment to the International Football Association Board (IFAB)!

“Honored to contribute to its mission!”Oliseh’s appointment to the IFAB board will see the former Dortmund and Juventus midfielder work with some of football’s most influential figures, including legendary Arsenal boss, Arsène Wenger.

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Future National Sports Festival to hold November/ December – Dikko

He added that the Commission, in line with the President’s directive, is working to transform sports into a key economic driver.

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The Chairman of the National Sports Commission (NSC), Mallam Shehu Dikko, says that the Commission is developing a national calendar that will set November and December as the fixed months for hosting the festival.

Dikko disclosed this during a World Media Chat held at the Local Organizing Committee Secretariat, yesterday.

He commended Ogun State for its outstanding hosting of the ongoing National Sports Festival, describing it as a game-changer for sports development in Nigeria.

He called on other states aspiring to host future editions to emulate and improve on the standard set by Ogun.

Dikko noted that the entire country is taking note of the impressive organization and swift handling of challenges during the festival.

“This festival is a major improvement from previous editions.

“It is normal to experience hitches in events of this magnitude, but the prompt resolution of those issues shows great commitment. This edition will serve as a benchmark for future games.”Dikko emphasized.

He added that the Commission, in line with the President’s directive, is working to transform sports into a key economic driver.

“We are building a sports economy—beyond the games, we are looking at job creation, the value chain, and revenue generation.

Ogun’s example is now motivating other states to step forward and host,” he explained.

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Saudi Arabia to lift 73-year-old alcohol ban ahead of FIFA World Cup 2034

Around 600 such licensed venues across the country are expected to be permitted to serve alcohol under the new guidelines.

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The kingdom of Saudi Arabia is preparing to partially lift its 73-year-old ban on alcohol sales in 2026.

The change comes as part of broader efforts to align with global expectations ahead of hosting major international events like Expo 2030 and the FIFA World Cup 2034.

The Economic Times, reported that alcohol will be available in a strictly controlled manner, limited to select zones such as luxury hotels, high-end resorts, and designated tourist destinations.

Around 600 such licensed venues across the country are expected to be permitted to serve alcohol under the new guidelines.

However, there will be clear limitations. Only milder forms of alcohol – beer, wine, and cider will be allowed.

Spirits and hard liquors will remain prohibited. Importantly, alcohol consumption will not be permitted in homes, shops, or general public areas.

Saudi Arabia and Kuwait are the only Gulf countries that prohibit the sale of alcohol.

A minor move to allow alcoholic drinks to be consumed in the kingdom was the opening of the first alcohol store in the capital, Riyadh, last year serving exclusively non-Muslim diplomats.

Prior to that, alcohol was available only through diplomatic mail or on the black market.

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