AFCON 2019 Qualifier: Eagles top Group E after edging Libya 3-2

Nigeria’s Super Eagles on Wednesday moved closer to qualifying for the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations after defeating Libya 3-2 at the Taïeb M’hiri Stadium in Sfax in Tunisia.

It would be the Eagles third straight victory from four matches.

A brace from China based striker Odion Ighalo and Ahmed Musa gave the Eagles victory and the nine points to top Group E after South Africa slipped to the second position following their goalless draw with Seychelles earlier in the day.

Ighalo has now scored six goals from three matches which includes a hat-trick against Libya in the first leg and Seychelles last month. He is also the team’s top scorer.

Nigeria raced into the lead in the 14th minute with a smart finish from Ighalo inside the box with Musa adding the second three minutes later.

But in the 34th minute Libya’s Mohamed Zubya headed in the ball from the left flank which Eagles goalkeeper Francis Uzoho had no answer. The goal would be the first that Uzoho would be conceeding in the campaign.

Libya later drew level 16 minutes to end the first half through Ahmad Benali.

Ighalo got Nigeria’s third in the 81st minute after neatly dribbling two Libyan defenders inside the box, before firing home with his left foot.

Libya are now third with four points after two losses.

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As it stands now, the Eagles need a win from their remaining two games against South Africa and later Seychelles to seal qualification for the first time since winning the 2013 AFCON in South Africa.