Good afternoon and welcome to Nigerianeye's live text coverage of the 2018 World Cup qualifier clash between Zambia and Nigeria in Ndola.
OFFICIAL LINE-UPS
Nigeria: Carl Ikeme, Mikel Obi, Ndidi Wilfred, Elderson Echiejile, William Ekong-Troost, Kenneth Omeruo, Alex Iwobi, Moses Simon, Ogenyi Onazi, Brown Ideye, kelechi Iheanacho
Zambia: Kennedy Mweene, Kabaso Chongo, Stoppila Sunzu, Simon Silwamba, George Chilufya, Rainford Kalaba, John Ching’andu, Nathan Sinkala, Rodrick Kwabe, Jackson Mwanza, Lewis Macha
Full-time in Ndola. An absolutely breathless climax to this match comes to an end as Nigeria complete a dramatic turnaround to win 2-1 versus Zambia, who went into the break 2-0 up thanks to Kelechi Iheanacho and Alex Iwobi. The Chipolopolo looked dead and buried, but rallied after the break with Collins Mbesuma netting a vital goal that brought them back to life. Thanks for joining our live coverage of the match.
90' + 2' Substitution Ogenyi Onazi~Abdullahi Shehu
90' + 2' Ball after ball is lumped into the Zambia penalty area, but the Chipolopolo are just about managing to hold on. With the clock ticking down, Nigeria push plenty of players forward in search of one last goal, but they're unable to do so and it looks as if they'll have to settle for a 2-1 victory.
90' Three minutes of added time have been allocated by the referee here and as that is announced, both sets of fans get our of their seats and cheer in an attempt to push their players over the line, with Nigeria of course wanting to go for the win.
89' Each and every time Zambiago forward and attempt to pile pressure on the Nigeria defence, a small incident just occurs which takes the sting completely out of proceedings. This time, the Nigerians are let off the off after Mikel goes in a bit late and gives away the foul. He gets cautioned by referee Ghead Grisha
88' Yellow Card John Obi Mikel
86' Time is running out for Zambia here, who need this win a lot more for their president who is in attendance. Should the scoreline remain at 2-1 at full-time, Rohr and his charges would depart for the country with heads raised high. Another missed chance for Zambia
83' Substitution Moses Daddy-Ajala Simon~Ahmed Firaz Moosa
83' Ahmed Musa comes in and you will recall that the last time he played against Zambia, he created a penalty. Let’s hope history repeats itself this evening
81' Substitution Fwayo TemboR~Rodgers Kola
80' Nigeria have reverted to six at the back after starting with a four-man defence, as they never looked comfortable playing in such an unfamiliar system. The hosts have put in a far more compact and resolute performance since then, but Zambia are, unsurprisingly, still dominating possession and making life very tough for their opponents.
77' Absolutely fantastic interception from Ekong as Mbesuma turns sharply before driving towards goal at pace. The number looked poised to pull the trigger from a great position inside the box, but is foiled by the Eagles, who blocks the route to goal with a header to cleanly and emphatically clear to safety
74' Unfortunately for Onazi, the Trabzonspor man has been very poor in possession a few times in advanced areas this afternoon. On this occasion, he finds himself in plenty of space with Mikel begging for the ball just inside, but instead goes for the cross into the box which is easily collected by the Zambians Very, very frustrating for Gernot Rohr.
71' GOOAL!!! The pressure paid off! Collins Mbesuma puts one for Zambia no thanks to a moment of carelessless by the Super Eagles’ Kenneth Omeruo. The battle has just begun.
69' SAAAAVE FROM IKEME! Zambia move forward in packs through the middle and it is John Ching’andu who eventually picks up the ball on the edge of the box before beautifully opening his stride with a curled strike to the bottom corner, but he is thwarted by the Nigeria keeper who puts behind for a corner.
66' The Nigeria defence finally manage to get a bit of respite at the back after a 25-minute Zambia siege towards their goal through Kalaba and Mbesuma. It is Carl Ikeme who helps out his compatriots with a simple save
63' Another opportunity for Mwanza! Again, he beats his marker deep down the right wing before swinging a cross that goes out of play. Goal kick to Nigeria
60' Carl Ikeme almost got punished for coming out of his line but he is very lucky Sunzu’s bicycle kick missed the goal mouth by some inches. Zambia are not giving up as they feel they can come back in this game.
57' Nigeria continue to pepper the Zambia penalty area with crosses and shots, with the latter mostly coming from John Obi Mikel. The Chelsea man has been desperate to find a goal since his installment as Super Eagles captain. He floats a shot towards the Zambian goal and goalkeeper Mweene makes an acrobatic save.
54' Eagles but shoots tamely at goal with goalkeeper Ikeme making a simple catch.
51' The Super Eagles are dictating the pace in this half as there is a smooth transition between the defence, midfield and attack. Goalkeeper Ikeme has been brilliant in this game and had denied Zambia the chance of taking an early lead.
48' The Chipolopolo make their first change with Kondwani Mtonga coming in for Adrian Chama. Well, that is needful now as the hosts attempt a comeback in this encounter.
46' And we're underway once again!
The two teams are making their way back out on to the pitch ahead of the start of the second half. Neither side have made any substitutions during the half-time break.
It's safe to say it's been plain sailing for Nigeria thus far. The Super Eagles have, unsurprisingly, been brilliant with their first two goals in the first 42 minutes of the game. After suffering a terrible start to the evening, the hosts switched to a back four and tightened up slightly, but the visitors continued to dominate the game and head into the half-time break with the victory all but wrapped up.
Halftime: Zambia 0:2 Nigeria
43' Kelechi Iheanacho doubles the Super Eagles lead. That sublime strike was his fourth goal in six appearances. It still Zambia 0-2 Nigeria
43' GOAAAAAL!!!! Iheanacho!
39' Rainford Kalaba booked for simulation in the box.
34' Great save from Carl Ikeme after the Wolverhampton Wanders goalkeeper saved Rainford KALABA header. It is still Zambia 0-1 Nigeria
32' The Eagles are gradually dominating possession after taking the lead. Onazi blasts a shot wide after a cross
32' Goal!...... Alex Iwobi scores his first international goal for the Super Eagles with a half volley. It is still Zambia 0-1 Nigeria.
29' Ogenyi Onazi is far from his best today. He is the worst culprit in terms of misplaced passes so far with a total of 5.
28' Mikel timely tackle stops Fwayo TEMBO again from firing a shot from the edge of the box.
27' So far the Super Eagles have created two clear chances to score. William Troost Ekong fouls Colin Mbesuma.
24' Moses Simon clear on goal failed to hit target. Zambia 0-0 Nigeria
23' Fwayo TEMBO beats Wilfred Ndidi from the left flank but his shot was well saved by Carl Ikeme.
19' The Eagles are under siege but Elderson Echiejile steps in to clear the lines. Mikel and Onazi in the Eagles midfield have not been imposing so far in this game.
15' - Ideye is offside, it is a close call after he is released by Iwobi, but even then the Olympiacos fluffs his lines with only goalkeeper Mweene to beat
13' - The physical duel between Sunzu and Ideye is developing
11' - Zambia shoot at goal but easy for goalkeeper Ikeme
9' - Both teams trying hard to really assert themselves in this game
7' - Nigeria are taking the game to their hosts as Nigeria win another corner, dangerous set-piece is finally cleared out of danger by Zambia
5' - Sunzu foul against Ideye, free kick and from that chance, corner for Nigeria
2' Both teams are yet to settle in this game. Carl Ikeme makes the first save of the encounter from a dangerous corner from the left flank.
1' Kick off: Nigeria gets us on the way at the Levy Mwanawasa Stadium.
Nigeria: Carl Ikeme, Mikel Obi, Ndidi Wilfred, Elderson Echiejile, William Ekong-Troost, Kenneth Omeruo, Alex Iwobi, Moses Simon, Ogenyi Onazi, Brown Ideye, kelechi Iheanacho
Zambia: Kennedy Mweene, Kabaso Chongo, Stoppila Sunzu, Simon Silwamba, George Chilufya, Rainford Kalaba, John Ching’andu, Nathan Sinkala, Rodrick Kwabe, Jackson Mwanza, Lewis Macha
Full-time in Ndola. An absolutely breathless climax to this match comes to an end as Nigeria complete a dramatic turnaround to win 2-1 versus Zambia, who went into the break 2-0 up thanks to Kelechi Iheanacho and Alex Iwobi. The Chipolopolo looked dead and buried, but rallied after the break with Collins Mbesuma netting a vital goal that brought them back to life. Thanks for joining our live coverage of the match.
90' + 2' Substitution Ogenyi Onazi~Abdullahi Shehu
90' + 2' Ball after ball is lumped into the Zambia penalty area, but the Chipolopolo are just about managing to hold on. With the clock ticking down, Nigeria push plenty of players forward in search of one last goal, but they're unable to do so and it looks as if they'll have to settle for a 2-1 victory.
90' Three minutes of added time have been allocated by the referee here and as that is announced, both sets of fans get our of their seats and cheer in an attempt to push their players over the line, with Nigeria of course wanting to go for the win.
89' Each and every time Zambiago forward and attempt to pile pressure on the Nigeria defence, a small incident just occurs which takes the sting completely out of proceedings. This time, the Nigerians are let off the off after Mikel goes in a bit late and gives away the foul. He gets cautioned by referee Ghead Grisha
88' Yellow Card John Obi Mikel
86' Time is running out for Zambia here, who need this win a lot more for their president who is in attendance. Should the scoreline remain at 2-1 at full-time, Rohr and his charges would depart for the country with heads raised high. Another missed chance for Zambia
83' Substitution Moses Daddy-Ajala Simon~Ahmed Firaz Moosa
83' Ahmed Musa comes in and you will recall that the last time he played against Zambia, he created a penalty. Let’s hope history repeats itself this evening
81' Substitution Fwayo TemboR~Rodgers Kola
80' Nigeria have reverted to six at the back after starting with a four-man defence, as they never looked comfortable playing in such an unfamiliar system. The hosts have put in a far more compact and resolute performance since then, but Zambia are, unsurprisingly, still dominating possession and making life very tough for their opponents.
77' Absolutely fantastic interception from Ekong as Mbesuma turns sharply before driving towards goal at pace. The number looked poised to pull the trigger from a great position inside the box, but is foiled by the Eagles, who blocks the route to goal with a header to cleanly and emphatically clear to safety
74' Unfortunately for Onazi, the Trabzonspor man has been very poor in possession a few times in advanced areas this afternoon. On this occasion, he finds himself in plenty of space with Mikel begging for the ball just inside, but instead goes for the cross into the box which is easily collected by the Zambians Very, very frustrating for Gernot Rohr.
71' GOOAL!!! The pressure paid off! Collins Mbesuma puts one for Zambia no thanks to a moment of carelessless by the Super Eagles’ Kenneth Omeruo. The battle has just begun.
69' SAAAAVE FROM IKEME! Zambia move forward in packs through the middle and it is John Ching’andu who eventually picks up the ball on the edge of the box before beautifully opening his stride with a curled strike to the bottom corner, but he is thwarted by the Nigeria keeper who puts behind for a corner.
66' The Nigeria defence finally manage to get a bit of respite at the back after a 25-minute Zambia siege towards their goal through Kalaba and Mbesuma. It is Carl Ikeme who helps out his compatriots with a simple save
63' Another opportunity for Mwanza! Again, he beats his marker deep down the right wing before swinging a cross that goes out of play. Goal kick to Nigeria
60' Carl Ikeme almost got punished for coming out of his line but he is very lucky Sunzu’s bicycle kick missed the goal mouth by some inches. Zambia are not giving up as they feel they can come back in this game.
57' Nigeria continue to pepper the Zambia penalty area with crosses and shots, with the latter mostly coming from John Obi Mikel. The Chelsea man has been desperate to find a goal since his installment as Super Eagles captain. He floats a shot towards the Zambian goal and goalkeeper Mweene makes an acrobatic save.
54' Eagles but shoots tamely at goal with goalkeeper Ikeme making a simple catch.
51' The Super Eagles are dictating the pace in this half as there is a smooth transition between the defence, midfield and attack. Goalkeeper Ikeme has been brilliant in this game and had denied Zambia the chance of taking an early lead.
48' The Chipolopolo make their first change with Kondwani Mtonga coming in for Adrian Chama. Well, that is needful now as the hosts attempt a comeback in this encounter.
46' And we're underway once again!
The two teams are making their way back out on to the pitch ahead of the start of the second half. Neither side have made any substitutions during the half-time break.
It's safe to say it's been plain sailing for Nigeria thus far. The Super Eagles have, unsurprisingly, been brilliant with their first two goals in the first 42 minutes of the game. After suffering a terrible start to the evening, the hosts switched to a back four and tightened up slightly, but the visitors continued to dominate the game and head into the half-time break with the victory all but wrapped up.
Halftime: Zambia 0:2 Nigeria
43' Kelechi Iheanacho doubles the Super Eagles lead. That sublime strike was his fourth goal in six appearances. It still Zambia 0-2 Nigeria
39' Rainford Kalaba booked for simulation in the box.
34' Great save from Carl Ikeme after the Wolverhampton Wanders goalkeeper saved Rainford KALABA header. It is still Zambia 0-1 Nigeria
32' The Eagles are gradually dominating possession after taking the lead. Onazi blasts a shot wide after a cross
32' Goal!...... Alex Iwobi scores his first international goal for the Super Eagles with a half volley. It is still Zambia 0-1 Nigeria.
29' Ogenyi Onazi is far from his best today. He is the worst culprit in terms of misplaced passes so far with a total of 5.
28' Mikel timely tackle stops Fwayo TEMBO again from firing a shot from the edge of the box.
27' So far the Super Eagles have created two clear chances to score. William Troost Ekong fouls Colin Mbesuma.
24' Moses Simon clear on goal failed to hit target. Zambia 0-0 Nigeria
23' Fwayo TEMBO beats Wilfred Ndidi from the left flank but his shot was well saved by Carl Ikeme.
19' The Eagles are under siege but Elderson Echiejile steps in to clear the lines. Mikel and Onazi in the Eagles midfield have not been imposing so far in this game.
15' - Ideye is offside, it is a close call after he is released by Iwobi, but even then the Olympiacos fluffs his lines with only goalkeeper Mweene to beat
13' - The physical duel between Sunzu and Ideye is developing
11' - Zambia shoot at goal but easy for goalkeeper Ikeme
9' - Both teams trying hard to really assert themselves in this game
7' - Nigeria are taking the game to their hosts as Nigeria win another corner, dangerous set-piece is finally cleared out of danger by Zambia
5' - Sunzu foul against Ideye, free kick and from that chance, corner for Nigeria
2' Both teams are yet to settle in this game. Carl Ikeme makes the first save of the encounter from a dangerous corner from the left flank.
1' Kick off: Nigeria gets us on the way at the Levy Mwanawasa Stadium.
it's better nigeria players win this match because it's just the easiest of the remaining matches
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