Alex Iwobi fires Nigeria to the World Cup

Nigeria's Alex Iwobi (c) celebrates with teammates after scoring

Substitute Alex Iwobi propelled Nigeria to the 2018 World Cup with a late strike that earned the Super Eagles a 1-0 victory over Zambia.

Iwobi latched onto a cutback just inside the box after good interplay between Victor Moses and Shehu Abdullahi, before drilling home with unerring accuracy in the 74th minute.

The victory means the Super Eagles became the first African country to qualify for the World Cup, but they were made to work for every second of the 90 minutes by a brave and fearless Chipolopolo, who remained in the hunt for a ticket to Russia until the final whistle.

The Zambians frustrated Nigeria in a feisty first half where tackles flew and both sides struggled to create anything more than half chances.

Although the Super Eagles marginally edged the few opportunities created in the first half, it was Zambia who hit the post.