Nigeria breathed life into their World Cup campaign with a vital 2-0 win against Iceland in Volgograd.
They were second best in a first half dominated by the tiny European nation, but they were revitalised after the break and broke the deadlock when Leicester City forward Ahmed Musa thundered a ferocious effort into the roof of the net after Victor Moses had supplied a fine cross following a flowing counter-attack.
Musa later hit the bar before netting his second goal moments later after latching onto a long ball and utilising his pace, rounding goalkeeper Hannes Halldorsson before stylishly sidefooting home.
Iceland’s talisman Gylfi Sigurdsson had the chance to get his side back into it but surprisingly skied his spot kick and that was that.
Here we rate the Nigeria players.
NIGERIA (3-5-2)
Francis Uzoho – 6:
Iceland looked to exploit his inexperience, but was assured, especially in a first half in which he was by far the busier keeper. Got down well late on to save Finnbogason’s effort.
Leon Balogun – 6:
Dealt well with a succession of brilliant Iceland crosses. Got a decisive touch on one in the first half to take it away from two lurking blue shirts. Wasted a chance to make it 2-0 in the opposing box.
William Troost-Ekong – 7:
Solid and steady as Iceland pressed once falling behind. Formed a solid barrier alongside Balogun and Omeruo. His five clearances jointly led Nigeria alongside Omeruo.
Kenneth Omeruo – 7:
Stood up well to the test of Iceland’s dangerous crossing. Long ball set Musa racing away for his second.
Victor Moses – 8:
Had been one of Nigeria’s livelier players in a blunt first half. Broke brilliantly and delivered a fine ball for Musa’s opener. Always a threat.
Wilfred Ndidi – 6:
Industrious as ever in the Nigeria engine room, but struggled to keep a handle on their forward thinking midfield. Brought a fine stop out of Halldorsson.
John Obi Mikel – 6:
Veteran diligently patrolled midfield and allowed his more livewire colleagues to affect the game in the final third.
Oghenekaro Etebo – 6:
Typified Nigeria’s improved attitude in the second half, finally giving Halldorsson something to do in the opening seconds.
Brian Idowu – 5:
Earned the first yellow card of the game for a cynical foul. Had a poor afternoon and was subbed off at the break.
Kelechi Iheanacho – 4:
The Leicester man typified a lack of quality in attack from Nigeria in the first half. Worked hard but outshone by strike partner Musa in the second.
Ahmed Musa – 9:
Familiar with his surroundings having spent last season on loan at former club CSKA Moscow, he hammered in unstoppably to give Nigeria the lead. Later hit the bar before he brilliantly bagged a second. First man to score for the Super Eagles at two World Cups.
SUBS:
Tyronne Ebuehi – 5:
Brought on for the poor Idowu but his one telling contribution was to concede a penalty.
Odion Ighalo N/A
Little time to make an impact. A surprise to see him only brought on for the ineffective Iheanacho with five minutes left.
Alex Iwobi N/A
Brought on as a fresh pair of legs to stretch Iceland late on.
