By Rasaq Oboirien
NIGERIA got its Russia 2018 World Cup campaign off on a bright start after they beat fellow African rivals, Zambia 2-1, reports NaijaSportsXtra.blogspot.com.
Alex Iwobi and Kelechi Iheanacho’s half time goals helped the Super Eagles secure the victory over Chipolopolo in a thrilling and soak tensed game at the Ndola Stadium.
Arsenal's Iwobi who was making his first start for the Eagles made the most of his pace in the 33rd minute scoring his first international goal on the green-white-green jersey with a smart finish which beat an experienced Kennedy Mweene in goal for Zambia.
Minutes before the half time break, Manchester City Kelechi iheanacho doubled the lead for Nigeria rounding off the goalkeeper and two Chipolopolo defender with a smart interchange of passes between Mikel Obi and Brown Ideye.
Ideye laid the ball perfectly for the recently turned 20 year old Manchester City forward, who kept his calm to round the goalkepper before slotting home despite three Zambian defenders on the line.
Collins Mbesuma profited from a poor piece of defending from Kenneth Omeruo to pull a goal back for the home side in the second half but despite a sustained spell of pressure. Nigeria hanged on to claim an all important three points away in Ndola.
Their next game will be against Algeria, who are in action in the evening group game against Cameroun.
