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.
Arsenal was also excited about Nigeria’s qualification, given that goalscorer, Iwobi, plays for the North London club.
