Nigeria begins World Cup campaign with win against Zambia

Goals from Alex Iwobi and Kelechi Iheanacho in the first half of the CAF World Cup qualification earned Nigeria, the maximum three points in Ndola, Zambia this afternoon.
The 2-1 victory shot Nigeria to the top of Group B. The game between Algeria and Cameroon later on Sunday ended 1-1.
The Eagles struck the blow against the hosts, Chipolopolo of Zambia ten minutes apart, with Iwobi scoring first in the 33rd minute.
Iheanacho followed ten minutes after, stretching the team’s winning streak to three games. Both Iwobi and Iheanacho are rising stars of the Eagles.
Zambia returned in the second half hoping to turn the tables, but their efforts yielded only a goal on the 71st minute, with veteran Collins Mbesuma scoring.
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.
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, Algeria and Cameroon, played 1-1 in Blida later on Sunday.
All four teams are previous African champions.
Nigeria’s second group match will be against Algeria on 7 November.
The match will be played in Nigeria.