Odion Ighalo grabbed a brace as Nigeria edged Libya 3-2 in a thrilling Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualification match played at the Taïeb M’hiri Stadium on Tuesday night.
The result leaves Nigeria on the brink of qualification for next summer’s AFCON billed for Cameroon.
Nigeria are now on top of Group E with nine points from four games. They need one more win in their last two matches against South Africa and Seychelles to hoist their flag in Cameroon.
The Super Eagles went ahead on 13 minutes after Ahmed Musa unselfishly passed to Odion Ighalo and the former Lyn Oslo forward showed gratitude with a low finish.
Nigeria did score again in the 17th minute, it was Musa who benefitted from a well delivered pass from Ighalo to fire past the keeper.
Eleven minutes before half time, reduced the tally through Mohamed Zubya who headed home when the flicked ball arrived at his path.
In the 74th minute, it was all square; with Ahmad Benali grabbing the equaliser when Eagles defenders were busy chasing shadows.
Ighalo proved to be the star performer, as he scored the deciding goal from close range in the 81st minute of the game.
