Coach Jose Peseiro has praised the Super Eagles for qualifying for the 2023 AFCON after they defeated home team Sierra Leone 3-2 Sunday.
Napoli striker Victor Osimhen scored twice for the Eagles to race into an early lead, before Sierra Leone battled back to draw level.
Kelechi Iheanacho then snatched a stoppage time winner for Nigeria.
The win in Monrovia, Liberia, shot Nigeria back to the summit of Group A with 12 points from five matches ahead of Guinea Bissau, who have 10 points.
“We are the best team in our group and we did a fantastic job against a good Sierra Leone team,” saluted Peseiro.
“I am happy with the players, congratulations to them, it was a tough game, but the players fought.
“After it was 2-2, it was not easy and they remembered 4-4 (draw) three years ago.
“We are back in our merited first position.”
On September 4, the Eagles will welcome bottom team Sao Tome and Principe to Uyo, while Guinea Bissau battle Sierra Leone to determine the overall winners of Group A.