Nigeria’s super Eagles on Sunday began their group campaign in Africa’s 2018 World Cup qualifiers’ Final Round Group B with a 2-1 victory away to Chipolopolo of Zambia in Ndola.
Nigeria’s goals came in the first half through two of their rising stars, while veteran Collins Mbesuma scored Zambia’s goal.
Arsenal forward Alex Iwobi put the Super Eagles ahead in the 32nd minute, while Manchester City’s Kelechi Iheanacho added to the scoreline 10 minutes later.
In a fast-paced match with chances at both ends, team captain John Mikel Obi almost gave his side an unassailable 3-0 lead in the second half.
But his long-range volley was tipped over the bar by Zambia goalkeeper Kennedy Mweene.
Zambia pushed for a reply and were rewarded in the 71st minute when Mbesuma grabbed one back.
In spite of much pressure, Nigeria held on to record an away win to go top of their group, regarded as one of the toughest in 2018 World Cup qualifying.
The other two teams in Group B are Algeria and Cameroon.
All four teams are previous African champions.
Meanwhile, former Green Eagles winger, Adokiye Amiesimaka, says Super Eagles victory over Zambia is a good beginning and sign of good things to come.
He said in Port Harcourt: “The Super Eagles went there to win and not to defend. We played to our strength and they attacked well. The Zambians were good, except that we were better. Their fans kept on cheering them until the final whistle,” he said.
Amiesimaka urged the Eagles to use their attack and also defend well “ to put our opponents under pressure and I am optimistic, we will qualify,” he said.
Olalekan Ige, former Secretary, Sports Writers Association (SWAN) Rivers Chapter, said the Eagles had a wonderful outing against the Zambians.
“The team played well, considering the fact that they did not qualify for the Nations cup. The players know that the hopes of Nigerians rest on them and the only way to redeem themselves is to qualify for the World Cup in Russia.
“Winning in Zambia means that they know what is at stake and they mean business. It is good for us to have victory away,” Ige said.
Cyril Wite, team manager of defunct Sharks football club, commended the Eagles for winning away.
“ The Eagles have shown that they really mean business and they should maintain the tempo until Nigeria qualifies for the World Cup.
“ I commend the team for having a good beginning,” Wite said.
Also, Emmanuel Okala, former goalkeeper of Nigeria’s national football team, hailed the Super Eagles for their 2 -1 win.
In an interview in Enugu on Sunday, Okala, once the ‘safe hands’ of Nigeria’s Green Eagles, said that the Super Eagles had made the country proud once again.
“I watched the match; it was a great match and our boys showed character and skill. They have made us proud; we are indeed proud of them,’’ he said.
He noted that departments of the team showed great deal of commitment within the 90 minutes match.
“For now, there is no department lacking, although the team needed to play more often to blend together for perfection,’’ Okala said.
