Nigeria began the final qualification stage for the 2018 FIFA World Cup with a remarkable 2-1 victory against Zambia at the Levy Mwanawasa Stadium on Sunday afternoon.<br /><br />Gernot Rhor&rsquo;s charges settled into their rhythm much quicker than the Zambians.<br /><br />The visitors, aiming to kick-start their campaign with a victory, took the lead through Alexander Chuba Iwobi.<br /><br />Visibly buoyed by the opener, Nigeria grew in confidence and doubled the advantage before half-time.<br /><br />Zambia reduced the tally twenty five minutes into the second half when Collins Mbesuma capitalised on a defensive blunder.<br /><br />Nigeria somehow hung on despite sustained Zambia pressure to record victory away from home.<br /><br />They next face Algeria, while the 2012 African Cup of Nations champions will travel to Cameroon.<br /><br />The game started at a fast pace with both sides showing how ambitious they were.<br /><br />A defensive howler by Adrian Chama ensured that Brown Ideye had the chance to score but the Olympiacos star failed in his duties.<br /><br />In a swift reaction, Fwayo Tembo&rsquo;s cross was tipped over by goalkeeper Carl Ikeme as the hosts pressed for the curtain raiser.<br /><br />The highlights of the opening thirteen minutes was the physical duel between Stopilla Sunzu and Ideye.<br /><br />Ideye then broke and managed to beat Kennedy Mweene but his effort went wide off target. It wouldn&rsquo;t have counted had it been on target in the 15th minute. Centre referee Gehad Grisha had already blown for offside.<br /><br />Dangerous Fwayo had his well struck bullet comfortably taken by Ikeme as the home fans urged their darling team to take the lead.<br /><br />Some minutes to the half hour mark, KAA Gent winger Moses Simon missed a great chance to put the Super Eagles in front. He weaved his way past Fackson Kapumbu and Chama but the hosts&rsquo; defenders stood strong, forcing the former Trencin ace to shoot wide off target.<br /><br />Zambia skipper Rainford Kalaba broke on the right wing and attempted from range but his effort wasn&rsquo;t good enough to trouble Ikeme.<br /><br />The game was simply too entertaining not to produce a goal.<br /><br />It was the three-time African champions who went drew the first blood in Ndola.<br /><br />Arsenal youngster Iwobi fired home from inside the box after a long ball by Wilfred Ndidi was headed into his path in the 33rd minute of action. It was a&nbsp; huge error on the part of Zambia defenders.<br /><br />Zambia almost levelled afterwards. Kalaba forced a close range save from Ikeme following a headed effort after a cross by Fwayo.<br /><br />Three minutes to the end of the first stanza, the advantage was doubled by the Rohr tutored Eagles.<br /><br />In form Manchester City starlet Iheanacho rounded the helpless Mweene and slotted to the yawning net.<br /><br />Rohr&rsquo;s side had reasons to smile as the first half ended 2-0.<br /><br />The Chipolopolo didn&rsquo;t want to bow without a fight in front of their President Edgar Lungu who was in attendance.<br /><br />And they made a tactical switch with Kondwani Mtonga replacing error prone Chama early in the second half.<br /><br />Urged on by their passionate supporters, the Chipolopolo piled the pressure on the Super Eagles.<br /><br />South African based Collins Mbesuma was set up by Kalaba inside Nigeria&rsquo;s penalty area but the stocky forward managed a tame effort which Ikeme easily saved.<br /><br />Chelsea star Obi Mikel earned a corner out of Mweene who tipped his effort over the crossbar. Zambia defended the corner and Kalaba was then frustrated by another big save by Ikeme.<br /><br />Ikeme still came to the rescue of the Super Eagles after keeping out Jackson Mwanza&rsquo;s header following a corner.<br /><br />The homers threw bodies forward and deservedly got a morale boosting goal in the 70th minute.<br /><br />Mbesuma bagged the goal from inside the box after Kenneth Omeruo&rsquo;s error.<br /><br />The stage was set for a nervy final 20 minutes for the Super Eagles who were kept in their shell at the home stretch of the match.<br /><br />Despite late incursions on the part of Mbesuma and his team mates, Nigeria emerged victorious.<br /><br /><b>Zambia Starters</b>: Kennedy Mweene, Kabaso Chongo, Stopilla Sunzu, Adrian Chama, Fackson Kapumbu, Nathan Sinkala, Fwayo Tembo, Chisamba Lungu, Rainford Kalaba, Collins Mbesuma, Winston Kalengo<br /><br /><b>Super Eagles Starters</b>: Carl Ikeme, Wilfred Ndidi, Elderson Echiejile, Kenneth Omeruo, William Troost-Ekong, Ogenyi Onazi, Mikel Obi, Moses Simon, Alexander Chuba Iwobi, Kelechi Iheanacho, Brown Ideye<br /><br />Igho Kingsley