Sports

2018 W/C Qualifier: Iheanacho, Iwobi On Target As Nigeria Beat Zambia 2-1

Published

8 years ago

October 9, 2016

Gernot Rohr’s men seek a winning start in their opening World Cup qualifier clash against the Chipolopolo in Ndola

Nigeria target a winning start in their opening Fifa 2018 World Cup qualifier clash against Zambia on Sunday.

After a 2-0 second round aggregate victory against Swaziland, the Super Eagles will have to overcome Zambia, Algeria and Cameroon to qualify for Russia.

On the other hand, the Chipolopolo of Zambia recorded a 2-0 aggregate win over Sudan to reach the final qualifying phase, and they will be aiming to cage the Super Eagles in Ndola.

Aside financial problems threatening the appearance of the Super Eagles in Ndola, coach Rohr will be missing the services of key players – Watford’s Odion Ighalo and Isaac Success as well as Mainz’s Leon Balogun.

Rohr, who made a victorious start as Eagles’ gaffer is confident of leading the team to her sixth World Cup appearance.

Coach Wedson Nyirenda’s men will largely rely on the experience of Mamelodi Sundowns’ Kennedy Mweene, Lille defender Stoppila Sunzu and TP Mazembe duo of Rainford Kalaba and Nathan Sinkala to do the damage against the west African side.

With a narrow edge on head-to-head with six wins to Zambia’s five in 16 meetings, the 2013 Afcon winners will hope to fly with the red-hot form of Alex Iwobi and Kelechi Iheanacho.

The Arsenal and Manchester City forwards have been in fine scoring form this season, same as Brown Ideye who has been on song for Olympiacos.