Nigeria’s Super Eagles on Sunday afternoon won for the first time in Zambia. It was also the first loss by Zambia at the Levy Mwanawasa Stadium in Ndola. Zambia fightback in the second half but it was not enough to get them a result in front of a packed stadium that included President Edgar Lungu.

Nigeria showed their intention to pocket the three full points at stake in the 33rd minute when Alex Iwobi fired home from inside the box after a long ball by Wilfred Ndidi was headed into his path.

The Eagles extended their lead in the 42nd via a super solo goal by Kelechi Iheanacho, who rounded up goalkeeper Mweene and fired from the near post.

The Chipolopolo got their consolatory goal in the 70th minute when Mbesuma fired home from inside the box after capitalising on a mistake by defender Kenneth Omeruo.

Nigeria thus go straight to the top of the group in the quest for tickets to the 2018 World Cup to be hosted by Russia.

•Photo shows Alex Iwobi.