Nigeria’s forward Ahmed Musa (C) avoids Iceland’s goalkeeper Hannes Halldorsson on his way to score their second goal during the Russia 2018 World Cup Group D football match between Nigeria and Iceland at the Volgograd Arena in Volgograd on June 22, 2018.
Mark RALSTON / AFP
Nigeria’s forward Ahmed Musa (C) beats Iceland’s goalkeeper Hannes Halldorsson on his way to scoring their second goal during the Russia 2018 World Cup Group D football match between Nigeria and Iceland at the Volgograd Arena in Volgograd on June 22, 2018. Mark RALSTON / AFP
Ahmed Musa struck twice to become the first Nigerian to score at two World Cups Friday as the Super Eagles secured a crucial 2-0 win over Iceland, who missed a penalty.
The African side will secure a spot in the knockout stage if they beat Argentina on Tuesday in Group D’s final round of fixtures.
A draw would be enough to eliminate the Argentines but would leave Nigeria’s fate hinging on the outcome of Iceland’s game against Croatia.
Musa, who came into the starting line-up in place of Alex Iwobi, announced himself with two of the goals of the tournament so far.
Musa’s sweetly struck half-volley fired Nigeria into the lead just after half-time before he added a second with 15 minutes to go to make the Group D game safe.
Iceland got a lifeline in the 82nd minute with a VAR-awarded penalty but dead-ball specialist Gylfi Sigurdsson blazed over the bar.
File photo: Iceland’s midfielder Aron Gunnarsson (C) vies with Nigeria’s forward Kelechi Iheanacho (L) during the match at the Volgograd Arena in Volgograd on June 22, 2018. NICOLAS ASFOURI / AFP
Nigeria’s goalkeeper Francis Uzoho (L) catches the ball next to Iceland’s midfielder Aron Gunnarsson (back R) and Nigeria’s defender Kenneth Omeruo (R). Philippe DESMAZES / AFP
Nigeria’s Ahmed Musa (L) vies with Iceland’s midfielder Gylfi Sigurdsson. Photo: NICOLAS ASFOURI / AFP
File photo: Ahmed Musa celebrates after scoring Nigeria’s opener during the game. His strike also represents Nigeria’s first goal at Russia 2018. Mark RALSTON / AFP
Ahmed Musa (L) celebrates with teammate Leon Balogun after scoring the second goal. Mark RALSTON / AFP
Iceland’s defender Kari Arnason (C) falls past Nigeria’s midfielder John Obi Mikel. Mark RALSTON / AFP
Iceland’s goalkeeper Hannes Halldorsson (R) grabs the ball past Nigeria’s forward Odion Jude Ighalo . Mark RALSTON / AFP
(L-R) Nigeria’s forward Ahmed Musa, goalkeeper Ikechukwu Ezenwa and midfielder Oghenekaro Etebo celebrate at the end of the match. Philippe DESMAZES / AFP
Ahmed Musa (C) and teammates celebrate their victory. Mark RALSTON / AFP
Musa is lifted by teammates and officials in celebration of the victory. Mark RALSTON / AFP
Nigeria’s forward Ahmed Musa (L) and teammates celebrate their victory at the end of the Russia 2018 World Cup Group D football match between Nigeria and Iceland at the Volgograd Arena in Volgograd on June 22, 2018. Mark RALSTON / AFP
