Ahmed Musa struck both goals as Nigeria boosted their FIFA World Cup 2018 qualification hopes with a 2-0 win over Iceland at Volgograd Arena. Well, this result is also good news for Argentina as it also keeps them well alive in the tournament.
Lionel Messi’s team Argentina was pushed to the brink of an early exit after a stunning 3-0 loss to Croatia on Thursday (June 21). But victory in their final Group D game against Nigeria could now send them through to the last 16.
Musa was left out of Nigeria’s loss to Croatia. But he justified his recall to the side with the opening goal shortly after the interval. The forward controlled a cross from Victor Moses and thumped an unstoppable drive into the roof of the net.
With that goal, he also became the Super Eagles’ top scorer in the history of the tournament. Nigeria were poor in the first half – failing to record a single shot – but they were much improved after the break. Musa added another to his personal tally in the 75th minute.
After Gylfi Sigurdsson missed a late penalty, Heimir Hallgrimsson’s side could be heading home from their first World Cup unless they beat already qualified Croatia and Argentina do not take three points against Nigeria. Although, the goal difference could yet come into play.
The Super Eagles, in contrast, were unable to put any cohesive attacking moves together. They became the first team at Russia 2018 – to fail to record an attempt in the first half. They did test Hannes Thor Halldorsson just 14 seconds after the restart.
The Super Eagles opened the scoring with their next attack in the 49th minute. Nigeria’s confidence levels grew in the wake of the goal. Halldorsson having to be alert to tip over a deflected rifled drive from Wilfred Ndidi.
Nigeria survived a late scare after a VAR review spotted substitute Tyronne had tripped Finnbogason. But Sigurdsson’s spot-kick effort cleared the crossbar and Nigeria won with a clean sheet.