Nigeria move six-points clear of Zambia; qualify for Russia 2018 with a game in hand

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Gernot Rohr’s men are through to the 2018 World Cup finals after a hard-fought win against the Chipolopolo at the Godswill Akpabio Stadium.

Alex Iwobi’s second half goal guaranteed Nigeria’s place at the 2018 World Cup, the Arsenal forward earning a 1-0 home win against Zambia on Saturday.

Nigeria have bagged their sixth World appearance in style, amassing an unassailable 13 points in Group which effectively reduces matchday-six games in November to mere formalities.

In the group’s other game, Cameroon beat Algeria 2-0 to maintain their third position on six point.

Zambia had the game’s first attempt on goal in the 15th minute through Fashion Sakala following a poor pass but he hit his shot wide.

Odion Ighalo had the Eagles first chance on 16 minutes but failed to connect with Moses Simon’s low cross.

Zambia thought they had scored on 24 minutes through Augustine Mulenga only for his effort to be ruled for offside.

The Eagles were forced to an early change on 30 minutes as Ogenyi Onazi went off injured and was replaced by Mikel Agu.

The Eagles eventually broke the deadlock on 73 minutes as Iwobi lashed on to Shehu Abdullahi’s cut back to put Nigeria 1-0 up.

A few minutes later Iwobi sent in a good cross but Ighalo failed to connect.

In the 85th minute Moses had the chance to double Nigeria’s lead but blasted his effort over the bar from the edge.

In the 90th minute Moses had a chance to wrap the game up but missed Aina’s low cross.

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