Arsenal forward, Alex Iwobi and Manchester City Forward, Kelechi Ihenacho have renewed hope for Nigeria’s participation at the 2018 World Cup.
With two first half goals by the English Premiership players, the Super Eagles sailed home with a 2-1 win over Zambia on Sunday, October 10, 2016.
Nigeria squared up against Zambia in the match-day one of the 2018 FIFA World Cup qualifiers in Ndola and started with the two most in-form young players in the Premier League.
Super Eagles Technical Adviser, Gernot Rohr deployed Iwobi at the left wing while Iheanacho played between the midfield and Brown Ideye took the lead as the striker.
The Arsenal and Manchester City players repaid Rohr’s faith as they impressed in the win.
The Super Eagles playing in their traditional away kit started on the back foot as the Zambians dominated the early proceedings.
The Super Eagles of Nigeria got their first chance in the 15th after Iwobi played a fantastic pass to Brown Ideye.
The striker was one on one with the goalkeeper but his effort went wide before he was adjudged to be offside.
Iwobi gave Nigeria the lead as he pounced on a loosed ball from a throw-in to shoot past the Zambian goalkeeper.
The Chipolopolo nearly got their equaliser but Ikeme was in the right place to save a close-range header.
The Super Eagles got their second in the 43rd as Iheanacho dribbled the goalkeeper to tap into the net after he was played in by Ideye.
The Zambians dominated the second half in search of a goal but Carl Ikeme was on hand to save some goal-bound balls.
However the Chipolopolo of Zambia got a goal back in the 70th minute through Collins Mbesuma who capitalised on a slip from Super Eagles defender Omeruo to drive a low shot past Ikeme.
The Super Eagle, however, held the 2-1 lead for the remaining 20 minutes of the game to take all the tree points.
They host Algeria next in their 2018 FIFA World Cup qualifier.
