Arsenal midfielder, Alex Iwobi proved himself a super substitute for Nigeria on Saturday, October 7, 2017 when he scored the decisive goal needed to take the African football giant to the Russian World Cup.
Nigeria needed a victory, no matter the margin, against visitors Chipolopolo of Zambia and Iwobi made the 1-0 victory possible.
Iwobi came in the 67th minute and seven minutes after, he utilised a cross by a team mate after a pass by Victor Moses to score for Nigeria’s Super Eagles, thus dashing Zambia’s hopes of upsetting the Eagles.
The Arsenal player also scored in the first Group B game between the sides
Nigeria now have 13 points in Group B, followed by Zambia with 7 points. Cameroon have six points.
Nigeria’s final match in November against Algeria will now be a mere formality as Iwobi’s goal has booked a place for the Super Eagles next year in Russia.
Nigeria have now become the first African side to book their place at 2018 FIFA World Cup Russia. It would be the Eagles sixth appearance at the FIFA World Cup.
Nigerians Celebrate on Social Media
Nigerian social media erupted in delight, uniting in sports, following the victory of the Super Eagles over Zambia in Uyo Stadium which took the country into the 2018 World Cup.
Below are some of the funnies and influential tweets on the subject.
I am not surprised that you have qualified. Thank you @NGSuperEagles. You exemplify the can do Nigerian spirit.
— Goodluck E. Jonathan (@GEJonathan) October 7, 2017
65': Alex Iwobi comes on for Nigeria.
74': Alex Iwobi scores the goal to send Nigeria to the World Cup.National hero 🇳🇬 pic.twitter.com/OWi1RpLfXf
— Squawka Live (@Squawka_Live) October 7, 2017
Nigeria really going to the world cup and we going to do better than 3 lions pic.twitter.com/8tg0wCoLGv
— broda saamu (@badmankayy) October 7, 2017
Russia, here we come. The World Cup is within reach. Reach for it @NGSuperEagles, reach for it! 180 million Nigerians are 100% behind you!
— Ben Murray-Bruce (@benmurraybruce) October 7, 2017
https://twitter.com/badmankayy/status/916723370703687680
https://twitter.com/Nigerianscamsss/status/916722882427965442
Super eagles Entering Russia like pic.twitter.com/nypU4LcTxZ
— Ayodeji (@AyoJaguda) October 7, 2017
Jay Jay Okocha’s nephew. Arsenal player. Iwobi is making Nigeria proud.
— Atiku Abubakar (@atiku) October 7, 2017
And finally, from the man of the moment himself. Iwobi said it was a dream come true to score the goal that got his country into the 2018 World Cup as he shared the video of the historic moment.
A Dream Come True…We're Heading To The World Cup 🙌🏽.Nice To Get The Winning Goal, Massive Thanks To Our Fans.The Atmosphere Was Crazy 🇳🇬🦅 pic.twitter.com/Ke3y6WjYPh
— Alexander Iwobi (@alexiwobi) October 7, 2017
Additional reports by News Agency of Nigeria.
