Nigeria’s senior national football team, the Super Eagles, on Saturday evening became the first African team to book a ticket for the Russia 2018 FIFA World.

The Nigerians, who still have a match to play, snatched the sole Group B ticket after a hard-won lone goal victory over arch rivals the Chipolopolo of Zambia at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium, Uyo, Akwa Ibom State.

The Zambians dominated play and had a first half goal cancelled for a controversial offside call and had a further heart break on the restart when super sub Alex Iwobi found the mark in the 74th minute. For what turned out to be the only goal of the thrilling encounter.