2018 WCQ: Iheanacho, Iwobi Help Nigeria Secure Vital Win In Zambia
The Super Eagles of Nigeria begun their quest for a spot at the 2018 FIFA World Cup with a 2-1 victory over Zambia in Group B on Sunday.
First half strikes from English Premier League duo Alex Iwobi and Kelechi Iheanacho secured all three poins for Gernot Rohr men before a 40 000 capacity crowd at Levy Mwanawasa Stadium Ndola.
Arsenal forward Alex Iwobi put the Super Eagles ahead in the 32nd minute, before Manchester City striker Kelechi Iheanacho gave the Super Eagles a two-goal cushion.
The Zambian defence failed to deal with a Nigerian throw, which fell to Iwobi, who volleyed home from the edge of the box.
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Iwobi’s goal was what the Nigerians needed to get themselves into the groove as they held the ball better in the opening minutes.
Just ten minutes after, Iheanacho made a mince meat of the Zambians defence after rounding off the goalkeeper Kennedy Mweene, to put the Super Eagles two goals up.
Zambia dominated the second half and were rewarded in the 71st minute when Collins Mbesuma pulled one back for the host. A defensive error by Kenneth Omeruo allowed Mbesuma to fire in a low shot past Ikeme to give Zambia a lifeline with 19 minutes to time.
Nigeria had to withstand a late pressure from the Zambians to record an away win victor to go top of Group B – one of the toughest in World Cup qualifying.
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The Super Eagles will play hosts to Algeria in their next match in the qualification on November 7.
The other two teams in Group B, Algeria and Cameroon, face each other in Blida later on Sunday night
