WC 2018: Nigerians celebrate after 2-0 win against Iceland

Nigerians celebrated on Friday (June 22) after their team beat Iceland 2-0 and revived their hopes of advancing in the World Cup in Russia.

Striker Ahmed Musa celebrated his return to the team with two fine goals and sent fans in Moscow fan one and in Volgograd stadium on an overdrive.

‘‘Fantastic, fantastic, it was a good match, we are very grateful to have won it, it is very good for Nigeria, we are all happy! said a Nigerian fan.

Another female fan said “I am so happy, so, so happy… It’s good to be a winner… We are stars!

The defeat for Iceland, appearing in their first World Cup tournament, does not kill off their dreams just yet, while struggling Argentina could also pull off a miraculous escape and make it to the knockout rounds.

But it was a big disappointment for some Iceland fans.

‘‘Disappointed. We were hoping to get a point. (What happens now?) I hope they send Argentina home. I think Nigeria will beat Argentina, and Croatia and Nigeria will move on to the second stage”, an Iceland fan said.

But Friday’s win, in the heat of southern Russia, leaves Nigeria in control of their destiny when they meet Argentina in their final game of Group D on Tuesday June 26.

A draw might be enough for the Super Eagles, who now hold the group’s second qualifying spot, even if Iceland beat already-qualified Croatia, depending on goal difference.

Argentina, meanwhile, have to beat Nigeria and also hope Iceland do not win against Croatia, as that could send the South Americans home early, again depending on goal difference.

Nigeria will be looking to avoid all these calculations by beating Lionel Messi and his compatriots outright, however.

In only the second win for an African side in the Russia World Cup so far, Nigeria broke a stale deadlock in the 49th minute when wing-back Victor Moses lofted a pass towards Musa who deftly controlled the ball and smashed in the half volley.

Musa was on the bench for Nigeria’s limp defeat to Croatia in their opening World Cup game, and the announcement of the Leicester City striker’s name in the starting team on Friday drew thunderous cheers from Super Eagles fans.

Iceland must now turn their sights on Croatia who ended the island’s 2014 World Cup dream in a playoff, and the relationship between the sides on the field has often been tempestuous.

Reuters