Obi Mikel Admits Super Eagles Were Lucky Vs Zambia, Praises Iwobi

Former Chelsea midfielder John Obi Mikel has admitted that the Super Eagles were lucky to beat Zambia in Saturday's World Cup qualifier at Godswill Akpabio International Stadium, and praised Iwobi for grabbing the winner.

The Copper Bullets were 16 minutes from holding the three-time African champions to a draw but Arsenal star Alex Iwobi had other ideas, scoring after he was teed up by Cypriot-based right back Abdullahi Shehu.

''Hunger for success drove us to win the game. I am proud of the players and we are ready for the World Cup. Iwobi came on and made the difference,'' said Mikel.

''First half was tough and we told each other at half time when it was goalless that we needed to get at the Zambians to win.

''The future looks bright for the Zambians, they gave us a good fight and we were lucky to get the goal.''

Next year, Nigeria will be participating in their sixth World Cup since their maiden appearance in the 1994 tournament in the United States.

Igho Kingsley