The Super Eagles have progressed to the final phase of the 2018 FIFA World Cup qualifier following a 2-0 aggregate victory over Swaziland at the Adokiye Amiesiamaka Stadium in Port Harcourt on Tuesday.
The three-time African champions booked a place in the 20-team round robin phase of the qualifier thanks to second half goals from Moses Simon and Efe Ambrose.
Simon opened the scoring from a well taken free-kick five minutes after the interval to put Nigeria in front – his third in six under coach Sunday Oliseh.
Ambrose later stepped forward from his defensive duties to double the lead in the 81st minute – taking full advantage of a well taken free-kick from Sylvester Igbonu.
The Celtic man has found a new lease of life under the former Eagles skipper having scored twice in his last three for Nigeria.
With both teams playing out a goalless draw in the first leg in Lobamba on Friday, only a win could secure Nigeria a place in the next round and they did exactly that.
Oliseh made three changes to the team that shared the spoils four days ago with regulars John Obi Mikel, Elderson Echiejele and Godfrey Oboabona making way for Paul Onobi, Chima Akas and Austin Oboroakpo.
There were cameo appearances by Obafemi Martins, Echiejele and Ezekiel Bassey.
Despite the defeat, the Swazi’s gave a good account of themselves considering over 70 places separate both sides according to the recent FIFA Rankings.
The victory means Oliseh has now won his first competitive game since taking over the role as coach after consecutive barren draws against Tanzania and Swaziland.
Nigeria now join countries like Gabon, Ghana, Uganda, Congo, DR Congo, Libya and Cameroon to progress to the next round.
