World Cup qualifier: Iheanacho, Iwobi ‘bomb’ Zambia

England-based duo of Alex Iwobi and Kelechi Iheanacho made the headlines with brilliant goals as Nigeria beat Zambia 2-1 in the opening World Cup qualifier in Ndola on Sunday.
It was Nigeria’s first-ever win in Zambia and the Chipolopolo’s first loss at the Levy Mwanawasa Stadium in Ndola.
The Super Eagles took their chances in the first half with two goals, but after the interval, Zambia fought back to pull a goal back, but it was too little, too late for the home side.
Arsenal youngster Iwobi put Nigeria in front from inside the box after poor defending by the home team.
Manchester City youngster Iheanacho then doubled the Eagles advantage in the 42nd minute when he was released by Captain John Mikel Obi.
He then rounded up goalkeeper Kennedy Mweene, before slotting home by the post.
Zambia pulled a goal back in the 70th minute through star striker, Collins Mbesuma, when he capitalized on a blunder inside the box by Kenneth Omeruo.
Between Nigeria’s goals in the first half, Zambia skipper Rainford Kalaba was denied an equaliser by the brilliant goalkeeper Carl Ikeme, who kept out a powerful, goal-bound header from the top of the six-yard box.
Both sides had chances earlier in this half to score.
As early as third minute, Ikeme barely put out a dangerous Zambia cross for corner.
The lively Fwayo Tembo tested Ikeme with a powerful shot from outside the box in the 23rd minute.
Moses Simon then cashed in on a defensive slip in the 26th minute only to blast his effort into the stands from inside the vital area.
Goalkeeper Ikeme denied Zambia at least twice after the interval as the home team fought back.