Speaking at Tuesday evening's post-match press conference, Super Eagles coach Gernot Rohr confessed that his team had a tough time in the Africa Cup of Nations qualifier played in Sfax and the Mediterranean Knights deserve to qualify for the tournament in Cameroon.

In contrast to the first leg in Uyo, which ended with a landslide victory of 4-0, Nigeria let slip a two-goal advantage, before Odion Ighalo netted the game-winning goal in the 81st minute.

Although Rohr was satisfied with the performance of the Super Eagles players, he acknowledged that Libya gave them a run for their money.

''We have a strong team that plays good football," Rohr told reporters.

"Libya have many strengths and fought. Before they faced the Super Eagles, they were unbeaten in five matches, things are not over for Libyans, they can go back and fight for their country.

"The Libyan team is fighting very hard and used to playing abroad in countries like Tunisia, so I think they deserve to be in Cameroon as well.''

Following their third straight win in the Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers, the Super Eagles top Group E with nine points, while Libya are third with four points after four rounds.

Ifeanyi Emmanuel