A 57th minute goal by Nigerain striker Alex Iwobi against the Chipolpolo of Zambia has ensured that Nigeria becomes the first African country to qualify for the 2018 World Cup in Russia.
Nigeria’s qualification on Saturday, October 7, with a game at hand, sent the country in wild excitement, with President Muhammadu Buhari describing the Super Eagles win as a ‘very sweet, soothing and a 57th Independence Anniversary gift to the nation’.
This is the sixth time the Nigeria has qualified for the World Cup. The match was played at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium, Uyo, Akwa Ibom state.
Meanwhile, the Uganda Cranes yesterday drew 0-0 with the Black Stars of Ghana and now await results from the Egypt-Congo game to know their fate.
Already Ghana and Congo are out of contention for Russia 2018, but a win or draw for the latter in today’s game in Egypt will keep Uganda’s hopes for its first-ever World Cup qualification, alive.
