Nigeria struggled to a hard fought victory in their African Cup of Nations match against Libya in Sfax, Tunisia, with a brace from Odion Ighalo and another from captain Ahmed Musa to go top of Group E, after Seychelles held South Africa to a goalless draw.
Nigeria led two nil in the first half, but The Mediterranean Knights of Libya pulled one back before the break. Then the hosts equalized through a defensive blunder from the Super Eagles.
Libya were all out for the kill, but Nigeria got the winning goal, thanks to a superb solo effort from Ighalo, to send Nigeria top of the group.
Ahmed Musa and Odion Ighalo had brilliant team work, to have a hand in all of Nigeria’s goal. Musa, unselfishly set up Ighalo for the first goal, while Ighalo repaid the favour for Musa by setting up the second goal for the captain.
It was also Musa that gave a pass to Ighalo, who showed great skills to cut a defender, before hitting the ball to the bottom left corner, to give Nigeria, a hard fought victory.
Coach Gernot Rohr played the same eleven that defeated Libya in the first leg, with only injured Shehu Abdulahi out, who was replaced by the same player who came on for him on Saturday, Ola Aina. His opposite number Al-Maryami opted to provide support for tormentor-in-chief Mohamed Anis Saltou in his attack, with Zubya introduced.
The visitors scored two quick-fire goals via the former Watford attacker and stand-in captain, Musa before the Omar Al-Maryami’s charges fought back through Mohamed Zubya and Ahmad Benali.
Ighalo’s goal nine minutes from time ensured the Super Eagles continue their 100 percent record since after their below-par World Cup campaign in the summer.
Ighalo got the Super Eagles started on the right foot opening the scoring in the 13th minute after benefitting from a good Musa-Iwobi exchange, with the former providing the assist for the striker’s fifth goal in the qualifying campaign.
Moments later, the Changchun Yatai marksman returned the favour, releasing Musa who scrambled home the visitors’ second of the evening. The momentum soon shifted to the Libyans who tested Francis Uzoho a couple of times before their persistence paid dividend as Saltou combined with Zubya to half the deficit before the interval.
After a myriad of attack was survived by the visitors, midfield lynchpin Benali got the scores level in the 74th minute but Ighalo would have the final say. The in-form striker got his fifth goal within four days off his trademark touch to fire Nigeria to the top of Group E.
Player Ratings:
Francis Uzoho 6
A mixed performance for the Eagles new first-choice goalkeeper as he still shows traces that he is still not yet the finished article.
Ola Aina 5
Was more expressive in this game than he was in the previous. Did not totally convince in his defensive duties though he helped out offensively.
Jamilu Collins 7
He has surely won a place in the starting line up as seemed at home once again. He still has to make his mark against tougher opposition.
William Troost-Ekong 6
Had a bit of a tough time against the Libyan strikers but still managed to hold his own and make some timely interceptions.
Leon Balogun 6
Like his defensive partner, he struggled against the pace and strength of the Libyans as the defense capitulated in the second half.
Wilfred Ndidi 6
Did his work effectively in the first half but went missing in the second when the midfield collapsed. He really needs to improve on his passing.
Oghenekaro Etebo 6
Went about his duties quietly but ran out of gas and had to be substituted in the second half.
Alex Iwobi 6
Another promising audition in the creative midfield role where he assisted another goal and generally had a hand in most of the team’s purposeful moves. Still work in progress.
Ahmed Musa 6
Captain on the night, Musa worked hard, scored and assisted, as he led the team tirelessly from the front.
Samuel Kalu 4
A disappointing night for the Bordeaux winger who is still coming to grips with international football. The talent is there, but there is still work to be done.
Odion Ighalo 8
Five goals in two games tells the story of a man whose confidence is sky-high. He has been very impressive for the team during this international break.
John Ogu 3
Was sent on rather late to stabilize the midfield but he didn’t do an awful lot differently.
Henry Onyekuru 4
Was very lively when he came on and showed glimpses that perhaps he should be starting ahead of Samuel Kalu whom he replaced as he is perhaps better suited to the formation.
Semi Ajayi N/A
Came on in added time. Doesn’t get a rating.
Gernot Rohr 5
His flaw still remains his reactive disposition to matches, and even worse, his delayed reactions.
Man of the Match: Odion Ighalo
The in-form striker got his fifth goal within four days off his trademark touch to fire Nigeria to the top of Group E.
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