Osimhen brace helps Eagles thrash Lesotho in 2021 AFCON qualifier

Super Eagles of Nigeria showed quality to beat Lesotho 4-2 in the 2021 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifier in Maseru on Sunday.

The hosts drew the first blood with a good header from the center of the box through Masoabi Nkoto.

Nigeria levelled up in the 26th minute. Victor Osimhen tackled a Lesotho defender and laid up Alex Iwobi, who made no mistake in finding the bottom corner from the edge of the 18-yard-box.

Nine minutes before half time, the three-time African champions had the lead. Osimhen brilliantly broke the Lesotho defence with a ball over the top for Samuel Chukwueze who lobbed the goalkeeper with a header.

The Eagles survived an early scare from Lesotho and earned a one goal lead going to the break.

Osimhen hit the crossbar with a powerful strike from the center of the box in the 50th minute.

It was 3-1 in the 75th minute. Nigeria went on the counter through Ola Aina, who found Osimhen from the right flank, before the striker did well to put it beyond the keeper.

Substitute Ramon Azeez also cut open the Lesotho defence with a through ball to a free Osimhen on the right. The striker made no mistake as he found the back of the net for his second goal of the game.

Awaziem diverted a cross into his own net as the hosts reduced the tally.

“I want to thank Lesotho people for their hospitality. We know, it will be difficult to play here, Lesotho gave us a lot of troubles,” said Gernot Rohr after the game.

Photo credit: Poojamedia