Sports
Iwobi fires Nigeria to Russia 2018 FIFA World Cup
Super Eagles striker, Alex Iwobi, came on from the bench to score the only goal of the crucial game against Zambia in Uyo as Nigeria qualify for their 6th FIFA World Cup.
The match, played at the Godswill Akpabio Stadium in the cool of the day on Saturday, saw the visitors mounting pressure on Nigeria who needed a win to book their ticket to Russia next summer.
With many chances missed by Nigeria and Zambia, the first half was goalless and filled with tension, as the Eagles had to make a change, bringing in Mikel Agu for injured Ogenyi Onazi.
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The stalemate continued until Iwobi came in for Simon Moses in the 65th minute and scored the long-awaited goal 8th minutes later to make Nigeria the first African nation to qualify for next summer’s World Cup.
In the group’s other game, Cameroon beat Algeria 2-0 to maintain their third position on six point.
As it stands, Nigeria alongside Spain, Germany, England, Brazil, Iran, Japan, Mexico, Belgium, Saudi Arabia, South Korea and hosts Russia are guaranteed to be at the FIFA World Cup finals next summer.
The Eagles will play their final Group B World Cup qualifier away against Algeria next month.
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