Nigeria’s Super Eagles face the Chipolopolo of Zambia in a 2018 FIFA World Cup qualifier in Ndola on Sunday.
Both teams, who are African champions on four occasions, are currently going through a transition phase after failing to qualify for their second successive Africa Cup of Nations.
However, there’s so much history between both teams who will be looking to appease their fans by booking a ticket to Russia.
Here’s a brief summary of what the record books say.
- Nigeria and Zambia have clashed 16 times since their first meeting on October 28, 1973.
- The Super Eagles boast a slim advantage over the South Africans winning six and losing five times.
- There’s been five draws between both nations with the most recent in the 2013 AFCON in South Africa where Nigeria clinched the title.
- Zambia have only managed one win in their last nine matches against Nigeria which stretches to almost 20 years.
- The Super Eagles are unbeaten in their previous six games against the Chipolopolo – winning and drawing three apiece.
- Both teams have failed to score a single goal on four different occasions – 1978, 1985, 1997 and 2010.
- Zambia, with 19, have an edge when it comes to most goals scored – six more than the West Africans.
- The Chipolopolo boast the victory with the biggest goal margin – 5-1 win in 1973 AFCON.
- Both teams have only met once in an AFCON final – which was in 1994 with the Eagles winning 2-1 to clinch their second title.
- Aside international friendlies, Nigeria have an edge when it comes to competitive matches winning five against Zambia’s paltry two.
