Bunmi Ogunyale
Former African champions, the Super Eagles have moved to the summit of the AFCON 2019 qualifying table courtesy their hard-earned 3-2 win over the Mediterranean Knights of Libya in Sfax, Tunisia on Tuesday.
Super Eagles’ gaffer, Gernot Rohr stuck to his starting line up in the first leg in Uyo at the weekend but introduced Ola Aina in place of injured Shehu Abdullahi.
Aina joined Brighton’s Leon Balogun, William Ekong and Jamilu Collins to provide Francis Uzoho cover.
In-form forward Ighalo proved too strong for the hosts as he shoots Nigeria ahead after 14 minute from kick off.
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The striker connected a pass from team’s skipper Ahmed Musa to score his fourth goal for Nigeria in three days.
Nigeria doubled the lead with Musa who also got a supply from Odion Ighalo in the 17th minute of the tie.
Libya’s Mohammed Nurudeen however reduced the tally with a header in the 37th minute of the tie.
Nigeria’s effort to regain the two-goal lead was futile as both teams head for break.
On resumption for the second half, the Libyans were desperate for a comeback as they mounts pressure on Nigeria’s defence.
The Nigerians side finally caved in as the hosts grabbing an equalizer.
With few minutes to the end of the game, Ighalo stuck to seal victory for Nigeria.
Nigeria now tops the group with 9points ahead of South Africa with 8points while Libya and Seychelles are on three and zero points respectively.
Earlier in the day, Seychelles held South Africa 0-0 draw in Victoria.