Arsenal, Man City Starlets Iwobi, Iheanacho Fire Nigeria To Win Over Zambia

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.

Gernot Rhor’s charges settled into their rhythm much quicker than the Zambians.

The visitors, aiming to kick-start their campaign with a victory, took the lead through Alexander Chuba Iwobi.

Visibly buoyed by the opener, Nigeria grew in confidence and doubled the advantage before half-time.

Zambia reduced the tally twenty five minutes into the second half when Collins Mbesuma capitalised on a defensive blunder.

Nigeria somehow hung on despite sustained Zambia pressure to record victory away from home.

They next face Algeria, while the 2012 African Cup of Nations champions will travel to Cameroon.

The game started at a fast pace with both sides showing how ambitious they were.

A defensive howler by Adrian Chama ensured that Brown Ideye had the chance to score but the Olympiacos star failed in his duties.

In a swift reaction, Fwayo Tembo’s cross was tipped over by goalkeeper Carl Ikeme as the hosts pressed for the curtain raiser.

The highlights of the opening thirteen minutes was the physical duel between Stopilla Sunzu and Ideye.

Ideye then broke and managed to beat Kennedy Mweene but his effort went wide off target. It wouldn’t have counted had it been on target in the 15th minute. Centre referee Gehad Grisha had already blown for offside.

Dangerous Fwayo had his well struck bullet comfortably taken by Ikeme as the home fans urged their darling team to take the lead.

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’ defenders stood strong, forcing the former Trencin ace to shoot wide off target.

Zambia skipper Rainford Kalaba broke on the right wing and attempted from range but his effort wasn’t good enough to trouble Ikeme.

The game was simply too entertaining not to produce a goal.

It was the three-time African champions who went drew the first blood in Ndola.

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  huge error on the part of Zambia defenders.

Zambia almost levelled afterwards. Kalaba forced a close range save from Ikeme following a headed effort after a cross by Fwayo.

Three minutes to the end of the first stanza, the advantage was doubled by the Rohr tutored Eagles.

In form Manchester City starlet Iheanacho rounded the helpless Mweene and slotted to the yawning net.

Rohr’s side had reasons to smile as the first half ended 2-0.

The Chipolopolo didn’t want to bow without a fight in front of their President Edgar Lungu who was in attendance.

And they made a tactical switch with Kondwani Mtonga replacing error prone Chama early in the second half.

Urged on by their passionate supporters, the Chipolopolo piled the pressure on the Super Eagles.

South African based Collins Mbesuma was set up by Kalaba inside Nigeria’s penalty area but the stocky forward managed a tame effort which Ikeme easily saved.

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.

Ikeme still came to the rescue of the Super Eagles after keeping out Jackson Mwanza’s header following a corner.

The homers threw bodies forward and deservedly got a morale boosting goal in the 70th minute.

Mbesuma bagged the goal from inside the box after Kenneth Omeruo’s error.

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.

Despite late incursions on the part of Mbesuma and his team mates, Nigeria emerged victorious.

Zambia Starters: Kennedy Mweene, Kabaso Chongo, Stopilla Sunzu, Adrian Chama, Fackson Kapumbu, Nathan Sinkala, Fwayo Tembo, Chisamba Lungu, Rainford Kalaba, Collins Mbesuma, Winston Kalengo

Super Eagles Starters: Carl Ikeme, Wilfred Ndidi, Elderson Echiejile, Kenneth Omeruo, William Troost-Ekong, Ogenyi Onazi, Mikel Obi, Moses Simon, Alexander Chuba Iwobi, Kelechi Iheanacho, Brown Ideye

Igho Kingsley