The Super Eagles of Nigeria thrashed the Mediterranean Knights of Libya 4-0 at the Godswill Akpabio Stadium in Uyo in the Group E African Cup of Nations qualifiers on Saturday.
Changchun Yatai striker, Odion Ighalo scored his first hat trick with Bordeaux winger Samuel Kalu adding the last goal close few minutes to final whistle.
The Super Eagles got off to a perfect start when Odion Ighalo converted a penalty in the 4th minute after he was pulled down by the Libyan goal keeper.
The Libyans fought back with better coordinated attacks while Nigeria’s lack of creativity continues to plague the Eagles who have relied on fast breaks, leveraging on the speed of Ahmed Musa and Samuel Kalu on the flanks.
Ndidi hit the upright from Etebo’s freekick while new leftback Jamilu Collins also hit the crossbar after being played through by Alex Iwobi. At the other end, Libya threatened with Uzoho’s point-blank save thwarting their best effort from a header.
The Eagles resumed the second half more purposefully with Iwobi assuming more influence on the game than he did in the opening 45 minutes. Manning the number ten positions very well. The Nigerians have actually created a couple of chances in the first half, but the players have not exactly been on the same frequency as Coach Gernot Rohr continues to experiment with formations in every game.
The second was a jolly ride for Nigeria, as Ighalo got his second goal in the game, after a lovely pass for Alex Iwobi to set up Ighalo, who rounded the goalkeeper, before coolly slotting the ball to the back of the net.
The 29 year old striker got his first hat trick for the national team after 24 games, with a weak pass from captain, Ahmed Musa, but the defence could not clear their lines as the ball fell to Ighalo who sloppily hit the ball against the keeper, but did not make any mistake from the rebound.
New boy, Samuel Kalu, got the fourth goal for Nigeria, after having a not so good performance. Onyekuru rounded the goalkeeper, then picking out Kalu, who scored a lovely curler from outside the box with his weak foot to score his first goal for Nigeria.
The Super Eagles are now second in the group behind leaders South Africa who thrashed Seychelles 6-0 earlier in the day. The second leg of their double header will be played on Tuesday in Tunisia, as Libya can not play in their country because of the problem in the country.

Player Ratings:
Francis Uzoho – 8
Has probably underlined his place as the Super Eagles undisputed first choice with that point-blank save in the first half. He is steadily growing in confidence and has a bright future.

Abdullahi Shehu – 4
Nightmare return from injury as he had to be substituted after 18 minutes after he picked up an injury relapse.

Leon Balogun – 7
Had a quiet game but was immense at the back as the Super Eagles kept another clean sheet against a very dangerous Libyan attack.

Troost Ekong – 7
The Libyan strikers gave him a bit of a tough time, but he came out tops as the Super Eagles goal was not compromised. His partnership with Balogun continues to blossom.

Jamilu Collins – 7
Very effective as nothing escaped his watch on the left side of the Eagles defence in a quiet and near-flawless full debut. Almost got on the score sheet after hitting the cross bar when Alex Iwobi perfectly put him through on the overlap. In all fairness, has probably displaced Bryan Idowu.

Wilfred Ndidi – 6
At his workaholic best cutting off the the Libyan forays. Maturing into a very dependable and perhaps indispensable member of the team.

Oghenekaro Etebo – 7
Dictated play from deep. Very mobile and hard-working in the middle of the pack. Gradually cementing his place in the team by ensuring that Ogenyi Onazi was not missed.

Alex Iwobi – 6.5
He struggled in the first half but asserted himself in the second with a domineering display. He played several useful passes including the assist for Nigeria’s second goal by Odion Ighalo.

Ahmed Musa – 6
Captain on the night, was lively and took responsibility. He provided the assist for Nigeria’s third goal and was eventually taken off for Henry Onyekuru.

Samuel Kalu – 5
Started on the left side of a front three where he struggled a bit. Was generally off-colour during the game with his poor decision-making and so will be heavily criticized. He was however got the fourth goal – and what a beauty it was.

Odion Ighalo – 8
Ighalo got his first hat-trick for the Super Eagles as looked more determined to put the world cup ghost behind him, especially with Success breathing down his neck. His confidence has obviously returned with his scoring spree in China.

Ola Aina – 6
Came on for Abdullahi Shehu after 19 minutes and did a good job, considering that he has been playing predominantly on the left over the few months.

Isaac Success – 3
Came on for the last 15 minutes.

Henry Onyekuru – 4
Came on and missed a good chance but set up Samuel Kalu for the fourth goal.

Man of the Match: Odion Ighalo

The former Watford claims the man of the match award after he got his first hat-trick for the Super Eagles as looked more determined to put the world cup ghost behind him, especially with Success breathing down his neck. His confidence has obviously returned with his scoring spree in China.

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