Jon Dadi Bodvarsson could not prevent defeat for Iceland as he made his World Cup debut against Nigeria.
The Reading striker started up front for his nation in their second Group D clash, looking for the victory which would have put them in pole position to qualify for the last 16.
But two second half strikes from Leicester City’s Ahmed Musa proved enough to hand Nigeria all three points, with Bodvarsson subbed off on 70 minutes.
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Having been an unused substitute for Iceland’s opening group game, a 1-1 draw with Argentina, Bodvarsson got the chance to make his World Cup bow as a starter against Nigeria in Volgograd.
And he was involved early on, knocking a long ball down towards former Royal Gylfi Sigurdsson, but his shot was saved.
Early long throws were the focus for both sides with shots on target few and far between.
While Nigeria had the majority of possession, the bigger chances came for Iceland with Bodvarsson again involved aerially, heading down to Birkir Bjarnason, who volleyed over.
And the Royals striker had his first effort just before the break, latching onto a corner but his header bounced just wide.
Nigeria came flying out of the traps after the restart, taking the lead on a counter attack with Victor Moses’ cross slammed home by Musa just minutes into the second half.
Bodvarsson struggled to make an impact as the half wore on, eventually replaced with 20 minutes to play.
Musa came close to doubling both his and Nigeria’s tally soon after, hammering a shot against the crossbar, before putting the game beyond doubt moments later after dancing around goalkeeper Hannes Halldorsson.
But Iceland were handed a big chance to set up a grandstand finale, winning a penalty late on only for Sigurdsson blazed it over the crossbar.
Iceland sit third in Group D with one point, ahead of Argentina on goal difference and two points off Nigeria with one game to play. The final round of group games are on Tuesday with Iceland against Croatia and Nigeria versus Argentina.
