The Super Eagles of Nigeria got their World Cup 2018 qualifying campaign off to a winning start with a 2-1 victory over the Chipolopolo of Zambia.
First half goals from Alex Iwobi and Kelechi Iheanacho put the eagles in control of the group B game for Gernot Rohr’s men in Lusaka. Although Zambia pulled a goal back in the second half through Collins Mbesuma, Nigeria held on and now top the group, ahead of the group’s other game between Algeria and Cameroon.
Gernot Rohr, newly appointed as Nigeria’s coach will be particularly delighted with the result because it was away in Zambia, with the team’s next two games coming at home to both Algeria and Cameroon. A win in those games will place the Eagles in prime position to qualify from the group that has been described as the ‘death of death’.
Manchester City striker Iheanacho continued his hot streak with his second goal in as many games, after netting in the previous Eagles game against Tanzania. He and Alex Iwobi will need to deliver more goals if Nigeria are to book a place in Russia 2018.