TheCable

Odion Ighalo scored a brace as Nigeria moved to the brink of 2019 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualification.

The Super Eagles are top of Group E with nine points after a hard-fought 3-2 win against Libya.

A brace from Ighalo and a well-converted effort by Ahmed Musa allowed Nigeria to overcome a comeback attempt by the Mediterranean Knights.

Nigeria began the match pressing high up the pitch in a bid to force Libya out of their trademark shot passing game and the North Africans were rattled by the tactic.

Ighalo was at the centre of things. He helped Eagles take the lead on 13 minutes when Musa found him with a pinpoint pass that split open the Libyan defence.

Instead of folding, Gernot Rohr’s side continued to approach the game positively and created problems for the hosts.

The tactic paid dividends on 17 minutes when Musa pounced on Ighalo’s pass to poke home.

Libya pressed and got a goal through Mohamed Zubya in the 34th minute.

The striker’s finish gave Libya more confidence and they could have levelled up late in the first half.

Facing the prospect of losing their first match at home in the qualifiers, the Mediterranean Knights responded with more purpose in the second half.

Ahmad Benali equalised for Libya with 16 minutes left on the clock but Ighalo had other ideas as he scored his fifth goal in two games.

Nigeria are now one point ahead of second-placed South Africa who drew 0-0 against Seychelles.