Nigeria has advanced to the next stage of the U-23 African Cup of Nations qualifiers, having defeated Libya 4-0 at the Stephen Keshi Stadium in Asaba on Monday.
The Libyans already had one foot in the next round of the qualifiers, after they successfully routed Nigeria 0-2 in the first leg of the game on Wednesday in Tunisia, Libya’s interim home ground.
The reverse-leg of the encounter was only a formality for many who had already written the Nigerian team off after their sorry defeat in Tunisia.
However, into the second leg, the Olympic Eagles seemed unfazed.
Nigeria Vs Libya
Libya took the defensive route in a bid to retain their home lead and cramp Nigeria’s style of play.
It took Nigeria 33 minuets to make Libya and the naysayers eat their words, and recall who the giant of Africa still is.
Victor Osimhen latched onto a ricochet off the right bar and sent it straight into the net.
In the 64th minute, Osimhen doubled the lead for Nigeria after Libya’s goalkeeper, Aymar Altihar, deflected a cross onto his path.
At this time the once proud-playing Libyans retreated to defending their post at all cost, while also seeking a winning goal against Nigeria.
Osimhen completed his hat-trick in the 75th minute after the Libyan defense had failed to clear off a corner inside the box.
Libya was all-but done, but the icing on the cake, Chidozie Okereke’s 90th minute goal, made it an even more pleasant win for Nigeria.
The team has now advanced to the next phase of the qualifiers.
Featured image source: Goal.com