By Johnny Edward in Uyo
Odion Ighalo bagged a hat-trick as the Super Eagles thrashed Libya 4-0 in a 2019 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying fixture at the Akwa Ibom International Stadium, Uyo on Saturday, Completesportsnjgeria.com reports.
The win saw the Super Eagles move to second position in the group with six points behind South Africa who defeated Seychelles 6-O in the other group’s other fixture.
Ighalo opened scoring for the Super Eagles from the spot in the fourth minute.
The Changchun Yatai of striker was upended in the box by the Libyan goalkeeper and he colly sloted the resultant penalty into the net.
Libya dominated proceedings afterwards and came close to getting the equaliser in the 21st but Francis Uzoho make a brilliant save to deny them.
Wilfred Ndidi came close to getting Nigeria’s second goal but his header from Oghenekaro Etebo’s free-kick went inches wide.
Samuel Kalu wasted another glorious opportunity for the Super Eagles nine minutes before the break.
Libya took the game to the Super Eagles after the break but couldn’t find a way past the defence.
Ighalo got his second of the game in the 57th minute dribbling past the goalkeeper before finding the net after he was teed up by Alex Iwobi.
He got his hat-trick in the 68th converting home after he was set up by Ahmed Musa.
Kalu added the fourth goal on the stroke of 90 minutes with a sublime effort from outside the box