TheCable

Odion Ighalo scored a hat-trick as Nigeria defeated Libya 4-0 at the Godswill Akpabio Stadium on Saturday.

In the early kick-off, South Africa thrashed Seychelles 6-0 in a one-sided affair.

Nigeria and Libya were left with no choice but to pick up maximum points in Uyo, Akwa Ibom.

The three-time African champions scored their first goal through Odion Ighalo who dispatched his strike from the penalty spot after four minutes.

Six minutes later, Ighalo failed to bury a simple effort after he was put through by Ahmed Musa.

Oghenekaro Etebo subsequently had an opportunity to score from Samuel Kalu’s delivery from the left, but the ex-Warri Wolves playmaker headed to the bar.

Goalkeeper Francis Uzoho, who had been on holiday, was finally called to action and he duly responded with smart save from a header.

Defender Jamilu Collins went on a solo effort in the dying minutes of the first half. His wicked shot came off the upright as the first half ended 1-0.

Following a sparkless opening 12 minutes of the second stanza, Ighalo made it 2-0 after picking up a defence-splitting pass from Alex Iwobi.

Ighalo completed his hat trick with a classy strike after Musa’s cross landed in his path inside the box.

Kalu put the icing on the cake with a world-class curler in the 90th minute.

Nigeria moved to the second spot in Group E with the win while South Africa are now top of the log.