Odion Ighalo silenced his critics on Saturday as he scored a hat trick to help Super Eagles to a comprehensive 4-0 trouncing of Libya in the Match Day 3 encounter of Africa Cup of Nations qualifying series.

Ighalo who had persistently been criticised for his poor goals’ return in the national team colours was at his best; scoring three goals that helped Nigeria to their first home win in AFCON qualifiers.

Ighalo scored the first of his three goals from the penalty spot barely four minutes into the game and that was all Nigeria could boast of all through the first half.

Things, however, got better in the second half as Ighalo doubled Nigeria’s lead in the 58th minute before completing his hat-trick in the 69th.

It wasn’t all about Ighalo in Uyo on Saturday as Samuel Kalu also scored his first goal ever for Super Eagles after making just two appearances for the national team.

With the three points from the game in Uyo, Super Eagles are now on six points after three matches but they are behind South Africa who have seven points after their 6-0 annihilation of Seychelles also on Saturday.

Super Eagles will now be hoping to get at least a fair result in their return leg clash against Libya on Tuesday in Tunisia.

PT