Russia 2018 FIFA World Cup Qualifiers (Group B):
Zambia 1-2 Nigeria
Nigeria Super Eagles registered a convincing 2-1 away victory against Zambia Chipolopolo Stars in their opening Russia 2018 FIFA World Cup qualifier at the Levy Mwanawasa Stadium in Ndola on Sunday.
In a match also graced by Zambia’s President Edgar Lungu, the visitors took control of the first stanza of the game before the home side showed signs of recovery in the subsequent half.
English based duo, Alexander Chuka Iwobi and Promise Kelechi Iheanacho (both 20 year olds) put the visitors ahead past veteran Mamelodi Sundowns goalkeeper Kennedy Mweene inside the opening part of the game in the 32nd and 42nd minutes respectively.
Arsenal’s Iwobi superbly volleyed home the opener following a great throw-in that was hesitantly cleared by the Zambian defence.
The second came through Manchester City’s forward Iheanacho three minutes to the mandatory half time break.
After receiving an intelligent through ball from Brown Ideye, the gangly Manchester City forward raced towards Mweene, before he expertly rounded him – taking a deep breathe to slot the ball into an empty net and double the goal advantage.
Zambia’s best chance in the first half that Nigeria commanded came on 27 minutes through Fwayo Tembo but his volley was saved by Onora Ikeme in the Super Eagles’ goal posts.
Tembo assisted burly forward Collins Mbesuma for Zambia’s only goal 20 minutes from full time after a costy blunder from defender Kenneth Omeruo and create a tense finish to the game.
Mbesuma in fact had a chance to make the game level but missed connect to Roger Kola’s telling ball ten minutes to the clock death.
Kola had earlier replaced the largely effective Tembo.
In the other group match, Cameroon and Algeria played to a one all draw meaning that the Super Eagles head the group with three points.
Zambia’s next game of the group will be away to Cameroon on match day two on November 7 while Nigeria, on three points head home to await Algeria.
It was a baptism of fire match for coach Wedson Nyirenda who was making his debut as the Chipolopolo trainer.
Team Line ups:
Zambia XI: Kennedy Mweene, Kabaso Chongo, Fackson Kapumbu, Adrian Chama, Stopilla Sunzu, Nathan Sinkala, Rainford Kalaba, Fwayo Tembo, Chisamba Lungu, Collins Mbesuma, Winston Kalengo
Substitutes:Jacob Banda (G.K), Clatous Chama, George Chilufya Ziyo Tembo, Misheck Chaila, Simon Silwimba, Rodgers Kola, Jackson Mwanza, Kondwani Mtonga
Head Coach: Wedson Nyirenda
Nigeria XI: Ikeme Carl Onora (G.K), Elderson Echiejire, Kenneth Josiah Omeruo, William Paul Ekong, Brown Ideye, John Obi Mikel, Moses Daddy Simon, Kelechi Promise Iheanacho, Ogenyi Eddy Onazi, Alexander Chuka Iwobi, Onyinye Wilfred Ndidi
Substitutes: Mohammed Musa, Uche Henry Agbo, Ahmed Musa, Godwin Obaje, Abdullah Shehu, Chisom Charles Egbuchunam, Kingsley Madu, Ikechukwu Vincent Ezenwa, Anderson Esiti, Jamiu Alimi Nosakhare Emmanue Igiebor, Emmanuel Shinkut Daniel
Head Coach: Gernot Rohr
