Nigeria beat Iceland 2-0 on Friday to revive their hopes of advancing into the knockout stages of the World Cup in Russia, as striker Ahmed Musa dramatically marked his return to the team with two fine second-half goals.
The result left both sides, and struggling Argentina, still in the hunt to go through from Group D along with already-qualified Croatia.
But Argentina and World Cup debutants Iceland have to win their respective games against Nigeria and Croatia next week to have a chance of advancing.
Gylfi Sigurdsson (front) of Iceland hits a penalty kick over the bar. Photo: Xinhua
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In only the second win for an African side in Russia so far, Nigeria broke the deadlock in the 49th minute when Victor Moses, playing as a wingback, lofted a pass towards Musa who deftly controlled the ball and smashed in the half-volley.
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Musa, recalled to the starting team by coach Gernot Rohr, made it 2-0 in the 75th minute when he found space on the left, beat Iceland defender Kari Arnason and rounded goalkeeper Hannes Por Halldorsson before slamming the ball into the net.
Iceland's Aron Gunnarsson, Sverrir Ingason and Ragnar Sigurdsson applaud their fans after losing. Photo: AP
