Nigeria 1 Zambia 0 : Super-Sub Iwobi Nets Winner, Aina Debuts As Super Eagles Reach World Cup

Alex Iwobi's goal guaranteed Nigeria's place at the 2018 World Cup, the Arsenal attacking midfielder earning a 1-0 home win against Zambia on Saturday.

The Super Eagles entered the match knowing that victory would secure their spot at next summer's tournament in Russia.

A second half effort from substitute Iwobi saw Gernot Rohr's side collect all three points.

In a largely turgid affair, the Copper Bullets were happy to sit deep and soak up pressure.

Nigeria won 2-1 in Ndola and they appeared set to do so again with few problems, Kennedy Mwenee making relatively straightforward saves from Odion Ighalo and the lively Victor Moses.

Although Nigeria started reasonably well, they were perhaps lucky not to go down in the first stanza. Augustine Mulenga's goal was chalked off as offside.

The hosts were dealt a blow in the 28th minute when Ogenyi Onazi went off injured and he was replaced by Mikel Agu.

Mwenee was at alert to deny Obi Mikel after Nigeria cleverly worked a through ball.

The ponderous play from the hosts did not improve after the interval, with sloppy passes regularly giving away possession.

When Nigeria did break threateningly after 61 minutes, the isolated Ighalo had too much power on the ball when put through on goal.

The Golden Goal which the fans wanted finally arrived through Iwobi. Shehu broke at speed, putting a fine centre on a plate for Iwobi to tuck in from close range.

An injured Elderson Echiejile had to be replaced with ten minutes left on the clock for Chelsea loanee Ola Aina to make his competitive debut for the Super Eagles.

Nigeria who have now amassed 13 points in five matches will have their flag hoisted in Russia next year.

In the other Group B match, Cameroon humbled Algeria 2-0.

Abayomi Ademetan