The
strikers were on target as the Super Eagles began their World Cup qualifying
campaign with a win after seeing off the Chipolopolo in Ndola
Nigeria
cruised past Zambia 2-1 at the Levy Mwanawasa Stadium thanks to first half
goals from Alex Iwobi and Kelechi Iheanacho to give coach Gernot Rohr a winning
start in the 2018 World Cup qualifying series.
The
visitors made light work of their hosts who got their consolation courtesy
Collins Mbesuma at the Levy Mwanawasa Stadium.
The
Super Eagles were less relentless in attack even with the presence of Zambia
president Edgar Lungu, as the trio of Iwobi, Iheanacho and Moses Simon gave
Stopilla Sunzu’s marshaled backline a torrid time.
Brown
Ideye failed to cash in on Adrian Chama’s defensive blunder in the third minute
and few seconds later, impressive Carl Ikeme was forced to make a fine save
from Fwayo Tembo’s cross.
It
took prodigy Iwobi 32 minutes to put Rohr’s men ahead – his first international
goal since making his debut against Congo DR on October 8, 2015.
The
Arsenal forward riffled past goalkeeper Kennedy Mweene after a defensive mishap
from Wedson Nyirenda’s men.
The
hosts’ afternoon got worse when Iheanacho got a pass from Brown Ideye, rounded
up three Chipolopolo defenders and slotted home the second three minutes from
the half time break.
Zambia
looked stronger in the second half and Ikeme had to produce sensational saves
to deny Mbesuma, Rainford Kalaba and Chisamba Lungu.
But
Nigeria's hopes of keeping a clean slate got dashed as Mbesuma reduced the
deficit in the 71st minute, no thanks to Kenneth Omeruo’s blunder.
Kalaba
and Jackson spurned two excellent opportunities to level scores in the closing
stages of the game, as the Super Eagles calmed their nerves to seal maximum
points.
Nigeria
host Algeria in their second game on November 7, 2016 while Zambia chase their
first victory with an away tie against Cameroon.
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