Fisayo Dele-Bashiru came from the bench to earn Nigeria a 1-0 win over Libya in the Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers in Uyo after the Mediterranean Knights spent most of the game in their half defending.
The win puts the Super Eagles at the top of Group D with 7 points ahead of Benin Republic (6), Rwanda (2) and Libya (1).
Dele-Bashiru, who replaced Alex Iwobi in the 74th minute, scored in the 86th minute after connecting well with a low cross from Moses Simon.
The goal from the Lazio player broke the resilience of the North Africans who employed all kinds of tactics, including time-wasting to keep the Eagles at bay.
Before that goal, the referee had ruled out a goal by Ademola Lookman for offside, a decision some fans at the stadium protested.
The Nigerian team dominated play from the first minute to the last in a game where goals were hard to come by.
Coach Austin Eguavoen opted for a three-man attack led by Victor Boniface, Ademola Lookman and Moses Simon in the absence of injured Victor Osimhen.
Simon replaced Samuel Chukwueze who started in the last two games for the Eagles in the starting line-up against the Libyans.
Stanley Nwabali was retained in goal, with Ola Aina, William Troost-Ekong, Bruno Onyemaechi and Calvin Bassey retaining their positions in the defence.
Wilfred Ndidi, Frank Onyeka and Alex Iwobi held it down in the middle of the pack for the three-time African champions.
Nigeria will face the Libyans for the return leg on Tuesday at Benina Martyrs Stadium in Libya.