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.

Gunners earn comfortable win in the Emirates Cup

Theo Walcott hit a brace for Arsenal to help see off Benfica 5-2 in the Emirates Cup on Saturday.

The Gunners went behind to an early goal from Franco Cervi, but Walcott put them in front by volleying home a cross from new signing Sead Kolasinac in the 24th minute and then scoring into an open net in the 33rd.

Benfica levelled through Eduardo Salvio before the break, but Walcott helped restore the Gunners' lead for good as his cross for Olivier Giroud was steered into the Benfica net by Lisandro for an own goal.

Arsenal then added some polish to the win as Giroud acrobatically volleyed in a perfect cross from 17-year-old Reiss Nelson and Alex Iwobi hammered home a hard strike into the roof of the net.

Alexandre Lacazette was given a rousing reception as he replaced Walcott for the final 15 minutes. He's expected to start on Sunday against Sevilla, who beat beat RB Leipzig 1-0 in the cup's opener thanks to a penalty from Wissam Ben Yedder.         

Alex Iwobi ensured victory and a healthy goal bonus for the Gunners with his powerful effort that made it 5-2

ARSENAL teratas liga buat masa ini | Menang 3-1 ngan Stoke

Arsenal fought back from a goal down to take top spot in the #PL on Saturday

Alexander Iwobi ‏@alexiwobi  8h

8 hours ago

Great Team Performance To Come Back From Behind & Good to Get My First @premierleague Goal Of The Season. #BIG17

Arsenal do just enough

An enforced change and a delightful moment helped Arsenal beat Stoke. Having fallen behind, Arsene Wenger's side were inspired by Hector Bellerin's introduction and Mesut Ozil's superb winning goal. 

Arsenal's Mustafi set for three weeks out

 

The Potters broke through when they were awarded a penalty after Joe Allen was elbowed by Granit Xhaka and Charlie Adam sent Petr Cech the wrong way from the spot.

But Arsenal levelled after 42 minutes when Theo Walcott rounded off a flowing move with a neat finish, and were in front when Mesut Ozil struck with a rare header after an excellent ball by Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain minutes into the second half.

Substitute Alex Iwobi wrapped up three points for Arsene Wenger's side soon after Cech had thwarted Stoke with a good save from a Peter Crouch effort.

It's so good to have you back, Hector Bellerin

Afterwards, the boss spoke to Arsenal Player - and here's what he said:

on the win…

We are very happy because we had a difficult week. We went to West Ham and to Basel, then had a difficult home game. We went 1-0 down on top of that. We had a bit of a hesitant start but when we went 1-0 down I felt we came back well. It was good for us to come back to 1-1 and after that I believe in the second half we had a normal win, even if, at 2-1, Petr Cech made a good save from the header from Peter Crouch. But overall I thought the second half was convincing.

on Arsenal's strength in depth…

I think we have a united squad, even if it's frustrating for some players not to get the number of games they would like to. But everybody is on board. We can only do it all together. At the moment the energy levels in the team is very united and very together, and that's what we need if we want to be successful.

on whether Arsenal can sustain a title push…
We want it to be different. I believe since we lost at home to Liverpool, in the Premier League and Champions League we have been absolutely remarkably consistent. That's very difficult so it shows that the team is ready to focus and to give absolutely everything to win the games. Can we maintain that collective energy? I think we have a chance.