Idris Adesina
Nigeria got their Russia 2018 World Cup qualifying campaign off to a winning start after they defeated hosts Zambia 2-1 at Levy Mwanawasa Stadium in Ndola on Sunday.
It was Nigeria’s first win in Zambia and the Chipolopolo’s first loss at the stadium. It was the 17th meeting between the two teams. Nigeria won six previous meetings while the Zambians won five. The other five encounters between them ended in draws.
Two goals from youngsters Alex Iwobi and Kelechi Iheanacho gave the Super Eagles the three points as the race for Russia began in earnest. Cameroon and Algeria are the other teams in Group B.
The Eagles took their chances in the first half with two goals, but after the interval Zambia fought to pull a goal back.
Nigeria coach, Gernot Rohr, started Carl Ikeme in goal with Elderson Echiejile, William Troost-Ekong, Kenneth Omeruo and Wilfred Ndidi in the defence. Captain Mikel Obi and Ogenyi Onazi were in the midfield with Iwobi, Iheanacho, Moses Simon and Brown Ideye in the attack.
The match, which was watched by Zambian President, Edgar Lungu, was a physical contest played before a capacity crowd at the stadium. A win in the match was badly needed by the two sides following their failure to qualify for next year’s Africa Cup of Nations in Gabon.
The Nigerians started the match brightly as they sought to redeem their image and live up to the expectations of their fans at home.
Both sides had chances early in the first half to score but the Nigerians grew into the match after Ikeme made a save in the third minute when he tipped a cross over for a corner kick.
In the 23rd minute, Fwayo Tembo again tested Ikeme with a powerful shot from outside the box before Nigeria responded through Moses Simon, who cashed in on a defensive error in the 26th minute, but his effort sailed wide.
Nigeria went ahead in the 33rd minute when Zambia defender, Kabaso Chongo, failed to deal effectively with an Ndidi throw-in. The ball fell to Arsenal’s Iwobi, who shot past goalkeeper Kennedy Mweene.
Zambia rallied for an equaliser in the 38th minute but a header by captain Rainford Kalaba was stopped by Ikeme. Nigeria doubled their lead in the 43rd minute when Ideye passed to Iheanacho in the penalty area. The Manchester City forward rounded up Mweene before shooting into the net from a tight angle.
Zambia dominated the second half and got a consolation in the 71st minute when Collins Mbesuma took advantage of a defensive error by Omeruo to beat Ikeme.
The Nigerians held on to the lead and survived threats by the Zambians for a famous win.
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