Ahmed Musa scored a pair of terrific goals as Nigeria set up Group D for a thrilling final day with a 2-0 win over Iceland in Volgograd on Friday.
Gylfi Sigurdsson was arguably Iceland’s Man of the Match before he sent a penalty kick over the bar.
Nigeria now has three points, two more than Argentina and Iceland. Nigeria plays Argentina and Croatia faces Iceland on Tuesday.
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Gylfi Sigurdsson swung a dangerous early free kick over the bar, then produced the game’s second chance. That one was caught by Francis Uzoho, the 19-year-old Deportivo de la Coruna backstop.
Nigeria’s breakthrough came courtesy a lethal counter attack, as Kenneth Omeruo headed a cross clear of the Eagles’ 18. Kelechi Iheanacho collected and found Victor Moses racing down the right flank.
Moses’ cross was collected by Musa with an unorthodox outside of the boot trap, allowing him a second against his surprised mark. Musa lashed home for 1-0.
#MundialTelemundo ¡Alegría en #ARG! Anota @Ahmedmusa718 para el 1-0 de #NGA sobre #ISL en la voz de 🎙 @ErasmoProvenza pic.twitter.com/T9TrnMgemr
— Telemundo Deportes (@TelemundoSports) June 22, 2018
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The game was delayed for a bit when Ragnar Sigurdsson was waylaid with a head injury.
Wilfred Ndidi had a rip deflected over the bar in the 57th, and Nigeria opted for a short corner.
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Musa then basically put it to bed when he cut into the 18 and danced around two defenders with the goalkeeper in between before putting a composed finish into the goal.
Iceland got new life through an 81st minute penalty kick awarded via Video Assistant Referee, but Gylfi Sigurdsson blazed it over the bar.
🔥Musa is playing lights OUT for #NGA🔥
— NBC Sports Soccer (@NBCSportsSoccer) June 22, 2018
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