Super Eagles striker, Odion Ighalo grabbed an excellent hat trick as Nigeria showed ruthlessness with a 4-0 victory over Libya in the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifier on Saturday.
The Super Eagles were awarded a penalty kick in the third minute when goalkeeper Mohamed Abduala tried to dribble rampaging Odion Ighalo and in the process hauled down the Changchun Yatai star.
Ighalo dusted himself up to bury the ball beyond the keeper.
The former Udinese striker came close to a second for his side, he couldn’t capitalize with the keeper at his mercy.
Stoke City central midfielder Oghenekaro Etebo headed his effort to the bar following a good cross from Samuel Kalu.
The Mediterranean Knights attacked and should have leveled matters but they were frustrated by Francis Uzoho who produced a world class save from Ahmad Ben Ali’s close range header.
Libya took the game to the Eagles with their sleek passing and possessive pattern in the city of Uyo.
They appealed for a spot kick which was completely ignored by the centre referee.
Jamilu Collins looked solid at the left hand side. He raced to a through ball in the 44th minute and hit the woodwork with his strike.
The tempo was very slow and predictable in the second 45 minute.
Ighalo increased the tally in the 58th minute. He latched on to the pass of Alex Iwobi, before rounding the keeper and slotting to the back of the net.
The ex-Watford attacker had a hat trick after the hour.
Musa prodded a low cross to the box and Ighalo showed gratitude with a quality finish.
Winger Kalu got his fair share of the largesse with a brilliant effort in the 90th minute.
The Bordeaux man sent an unstoppable drive to the far corner to make it 4-0.
South Africa are currently on top of the log with seven points from three points, one more than Nigeria.
Packaged by Lanre Olabisi
