2019 Africa Cup of Nations Qualifier
Result: Nigeria 4-0 Libya
Date: 13 October 2018
Venue: Ahmadu Bello Stadium
Bafana Bafana will head into the next round of qualifying matches top of Group E, after Libya suffered a 4-0 defeat at the hands of Nigeria, with Odion Ighalo netting a hat-trick on the day.
Libya dropped to second spot even before the match got underway, after Bafana Bafana thumped Seychelles 6-0 in the other group fixture.
Nigeria were awarded a penalty after just three minutes when Odion Ighalo was brought down in the box. The striker took responsibility himself and slotted home the spot-kick, 1-0.
The hosts were forced into a change after 18 minutes when Abdullahi Shehu sustained an injury. He was replaced by Ola Aina.
Libya did see a bit more of the ball as the as the first half continued, but they were unable to mount any serious attempts at Francis Uzoho's goal.
The hosts nearly bagged a second goal shortly before the break, but Aina struck the crossbar from a tight angle, despite Ighalo being better positioned.
The Super Eagles continued to dominate in the second half and they bagged a second goal in the 59th minute as Ighalo raced clear on goal before rounding the goalkeeper to fire into an empty net.
Ighalo completed his hat-trick in the 69th minute as the China-based player scored with a close range finish after some good work by Ahmed Musa down the right flank.
Samuel Kalu rounded off the scoring for Nigeria in the 89th minute with a superb curling effort from 20-yards out.
The win sees Nigeria move up to second spot in Group E, one point behind Bafana while Libya have dropped to third spot.
