Arsenal forward, Alex Iwobi, sent Nigeria to the 2018 World Cup finals
with the winning goal in a 1-0 African qualifying victory over Zambia on
Saturday.
The Super Eagles became the first African team to
advance to Russia after taking an unassailable lead atop Group B. It
will be their sixth World Cup finals appearance.
Substitute Iwobi blasted home from a pullback by Shehu Abdullahi 17 minutes from time to secure qualification.
In a high tempo first half, Zambia thought they
had taken the lead when Augustin Mulenga bundled home but his 23rd
minute effort was disallowed for offside.
In the 36th minute,
Zambia striker Alex Ngonga, whose pace troubled the Nigeria defence
throughout, forced goalkeeper Ikechukwu Ezenwa to parry the ball behind
for a corner.
The Super Eagles peppered the Zambian goal with
shots in the closing minutes of the first half, but skipper Mikel Obi,
Odion Ighalo and Moses Simon all failed to trouble Zambian goalkeeper
Kennedy Mweene.
Nigeria were the brighter of the two teams after the break as Wilfred Ndidi saw his looping header pushed away by Mweene.
The
Eagles carved out the better chances, although Zambia looked dangerous
on the counter attack until Iwobi settled the affair and sent Nigeria to
the World Cup finals.
