Nigeria beat Zambia in World Cup qualifier

Nigeria on Sunday made a bright start to their Russia 2018 FIFA World Cup Group B qualifying campaign thanks to a 2-1 away win over Zambia at Levy Mwanawasa Stadium in Ndola. The game marked low start for Zambia coach Wedson Nyirenda who was making his debut as Chipolopolo trainer.

Nigeria took command of the match in the opening 45 minutes courtesy goals from England-based duo, Alex Iwobi and Kelechi Iheanacho.

Iwobi put the Super Eagles ahead in the 32nd minute with a shot past Zambia goalie Kennedy Mweene.

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.

Meanwhile, the opener only fueled the visitors’ impetus and three minutes before the break extended their lead when Iheanacho rounded Mweene before slotting home.

The Chipolopolo then returned from the break with more resolve and burly striker Collins Mbesuma brought the best out of Ikeme in the 54th minute.

However, Nigeria did not sit back and Zambia had goalkeeper Kennedy Mweene to thank when he saved Iwobi’s goal bound shot in the 55th minute and parried Mikel Obi's attempt two minutes later.

Zambia then put some respect on the scoreline in the 70th minute when Mbesuma fired in a cross from Fwayo Tembo assist to give the home side some hope.

Mbesuma could have added a brace in the 87th minute but failed to meet a cross from substitute Roger Kola on 80 minutes, moments after Kola replaced Tembo.

Algeria and Cameroon played 1-1 draw in the other Group B match on Sunday in Blida.

Zambia slump to the bottom of Group B and regroup for a trip to Cameroon on match day two on November 7 while Nigeria, on three points head home to await Algeria.