Ahmed Musa scored twice in the second half as Nigeria defeated Iceland 2-0 in the second round of World Cup Group D matches at Volgograd Arena on Friday.
The Super Eagles came into the tie bottom of the group, needing all 3 points to boost their qualification hopes after losing their opening game to Croatia last week.
Musa showed superb technique to fire Nigeria ahead on the half-volley before the rounding keeper Hannes Thor Halldorsson to double the advantage.
Advertisement
Iceland missed a late penalty awarded after a video assistant referee review.
Gylfi Sigurdsson fired over, a goal that would have given the Europeans a morale boost.
Gernot Rohr’s men are second in Group D – three points behind Croatia, who have already qualified for the knockout stage.
Iceland face Croatia on Tuesday while Argentina play Nigeria at the same time.