A lone striker by Fisayo Dele-Bashiru was all the Super Eagles needed to pip resilient Libya national team at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium, Uyo on Friday.
The Nigerian side had laboured to hit the back of the net before the Lazio FC midfielder struck in the 87th minute of the tie.
The win keeps Nigeria on top of the Group D with 7 points ahead of Benin Republic on 6points.
Nigeria needs an outright victory over Libya in Benghazi on Tuesday to punch her qualifying ticket to the next edition of AFCON in Morocco.
Ballon d’Dor nominee Ademola Lookman and Victor Boniface were listed to lead Super Eagles assaults against Libya.
Stanley Nwabali retained his place between the sticks for Nigeria. The South African based goalie also got cover from the defence led by William Tristan Ekong, Ola Aina, Calvin Bassey and Bruno Onyemaechi.
Usual suspects like Alex Iwobi, Frank Onyeka, Wilfred Ndidi, Moses Simon were assigned the midfield role.
