World football ruling body, FIFA, and Arsenal Football Club wasted little time in congratulating Nigeria on qualifying for the Russia 2018 World Cup.
A 73rd-minute strike from Alex Iwobi was all the Super Eagles needed to defeat the Chipolopolo of Zambia and book a ticket in the global fiesta.
The 21-year old had come in as a substitute for Moses Simon in the 66th minute.
That inspired change by Gernot Rohr turned the tide in the favour of the three-time African champions against a Zambian team that threatened to produce an upset.
Nigeria thus became the first African country to qualify for the World, a fact that was not lost on FIFA.
QUALIFIED! ?
Congratulations, ??Nigeria!
The Super Eagles are the first African side to reach ??Russia! #WCQ pic.twitter.com/YTYz9LyVFN— #WCQ ⚽️? (@FIFAWorldCup) October 7, 2017
Arsenal was also excited about Nigeria’s qualification, given that goalscorer, Iwobi, plays for the North London club.
Yes, @alexiwobi ??#BIG17 scores the winner as @NGSuperEagles beat Zambia in World Cup qualifying https://t.co/ez2I2eIbPt
— Arsenal FC (@Arsenal) October 7, 2017
