The Super Eagles of Nigeria on Friday inched closer towards qualifying for the second round of the ongoing Russia 2018 World Cup courtesy of a hard-fought 2-0 win over tournament’s debutants, Iceland at the Volgograd Arena.

Tow second half goals from CSKA Moscow striker, Ahmed Musa rekindled the hope of millions of soccer loving Nigerians who were left disappointed after the Eagles lost their opening Group D fixture to Croatia by the same margin.

After a barren and rather uninspiring first half display, the Eagles turned on the pressure in second half with the introduction of Benfica of Portugal new signing, Tyrion Ebuehi who came in for Brian Idowu.

Nigeria broke the deadlock in the 49th minute, with Musa latching on to a well-timed cross from Chelsea’s Victor Moses who was set up by Leicester City’s Kelechi Iheanacho. He professionally brought the ball under his control and banged it into the roof of Hans Thor Halldosson’s net.

After missing a clear-cut opportunity in the 74th minute when his sitter hit the Icelandish bar, Musa doubled the advantage for the Eagles a minute later, intercepting a clearance from Kenneth Omeruo before rounding up Halldorsson and slotting the ball into a gaping net.

Iceland however had an opportunity to reduce the margin in the 82nd minute. Referee Matthew Conger awarded them a penalty kick after video reviews showed that Ebuehi had tripped Alfred Finnbogason in the 18-yard box.

Gylfi Sigurdsson however shot well wide over the bar after sending goalkeeper Francis Uzoho the wrong way. All attempts by Iceland to reduce the deficit were thwarted by a well-organized Eagles defence marshaled by the trio of William Troost-Ekong, Leon Balogun and Kenneth Omeruo.

With Croatia already booking a place in the round of 16 after a 3-0 whitewash of the Argentines in the group’s other match on Thursday night, the Super Eagles would need an outright win against the Albi Celestes on Tuesday in St. Petersburg or secure at least a draw and hope that the Croats do them a favour by beating or holding Iceland to a draw, if they are to make it past the group stage.