Friday, March 29, 2024

Zambia out of 2018 World Cup race after loss to Nigeria

Zambia’s qualification campaign for the Russia 2018 Russia World Cup came to an end after losing 1 – 0 to Nigeria in Uyo.

It was a determined effort from the Chipolopolo despite missing the preferred striking pair of Patson Daka and Brian Mwila through injury.

A goal from substitute Alexander Iwobi who also scored in the first leg was enough to hand the Super Eagles the ticket to Russia as the first African team to qualify with a game to spare.

Zambia took the game to the Nigerians and looked the closest to scoring in the first half with Augustine Mulenga putting the goal in the net in the 22nd minute but was ruled offside before Alex Ngonga saw his long range effort come off the upright.

It looked to be a 50/50 affair in the second half but Iwobi who replaced Simon Moses found space in a congested box to shoot home past Kennedy Mweene.

Mweene had earlier made a spectacular finger tip save off Ndidi whose header to the far post lmwa well placed for a goal.

Nigeria have an insurmountable 13 points with one round of matches remaining. 

They are six points clear of second placed Zambia and seven points ahead of third placed Cameroon. Algeria remain at the bottom of the group with a single point from five matches.

The final round of matches will be played next month with Zambia hosting Cameroon while Nigeria will be away to Algeria.

Nigeria: Ikechukwu Ezenwa, Ederson Echiejile  (Ola Aina 79’), Wilfred Ndidi, William Paul Ekong, Leon Balogun, Odion Ighalo, John Mikel Obi, Victor Moses, Adullahi Shehu, Moses Simon (Alex Iwobi 65’), Ogenyi Onazi (Mikel Agu 30’)

Unused Subs: Daniel Akpeyi (GK), Ayodele Ajiboye, Ahmed Musa, Oghenekaro Etebo, Uche Agbo, Kelechi Iheanacho, John Ogu 20 Chidozie Awaziem, Anthony Nwakaeme.

Zambia: Kennedy Mweene, Simon Silwimba, Alex Ng’onga, Fashion Sakala (Justin Shonga 77’), Chisamba Lungu (Ernest Mbewe 50’), Stopilla Sunzu, Enock Mwepu, Augustine Mulenga (John Ching’andu 86’), Ziyo Tembo, Fackson Kapumbu, Kondwani Mtonga.

Unused Subs: Toaster Nsabata, Adrian Chama, Rodrick Kabwe, Patson Daka, John Chingandu, Donashano Malama, Allan Chibwe, Isaac Shamujompa, Misheck Chaila

Yellow Cards: Mikel Agu 35’, Kondwani Mtonga 55’, Abdulahi Shehu 63’, John Chingandu 90’

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134 Comments

  1. Well zambia played well.nigeria were under pressure. But that moment of brilliant from iobi.i see great future ahead of this zambian team.Congratulation Nigeria for making it to Russia

  2. Where are the haters? Those lousy dreamers who want ride on the back of African giants to Eastern Europe. The World Cup is not for dreamers; it’s for countries with real talents to play at the highest level. Congratulations Nigeria.

    • If you think the Zambians are dreamers, think again. They are an authentic football African power house. I hope you know talent when you see it. I am Nigerian and I respect the Zambians. Expect to see them in the World Cup soon.

      • @Gori, two things happened in that match that made the Zambians look extra-ordinary. First, that early injury to Onazi. It changed the complexion of the game. Obi had to work extra hard to keep the shape of our midfield. This restricted his movement around Zambia’s 18-yard box. Second, there was another forced substitution for Nididi. This added a different layer of pressure on our midfield with the young Zambians running at us at will. It also prevented the coach from executing his real match plan. The only tactical substitution Rohr made was Iwobi for Moses Simon. And we all saw the effect. Ighalo had no business finishing that match when we had Iheanacho and Musa on the bench. Things could have been different if these guys came on. Musa, with his pace and Iheanacho, with his positioning, tactical awareness and great understanding with Iwobi would have kept the Zambians busy at the back, and curtail their forays to 18-yrad box. To me, we didn’t pepper them enough in the attack. Our high-pressure game only came alive with the only tactical change we were able to make. This made the opponents look so good. Things would have being quite different if we had hit them with 3 to 4 goals. And we could have done that if not for those unfortunate incidents.

  3. Sad but happy that we have a team to challenge for the next Africa cup. Congrats to nija and hope they will represent Africa effectively.

  4. Let us learn to appreciate, despite not winning, Zambia has played the best game of all the qualifies.No finger pointing gentlemen it was not just our day.Wada and the lads, you were just excellent pliz remain focussed

  5. I DID MENTION HERE THAT AN EXCELLENT AND SEASONED GENERAL CAN GO TO BATTLE LEAVING HIS BEST SOLDIERS BEHIND…WADA IS A TOTAL FAILURE , A USELESS COACH WITH A LOW SELF-ESTEEM… HE UNCHARACTERISTICALLY PICKED UNNECESSARY QUARRELS WITH YOUNG PLAYERS …FWAYO, KALABA , CHAMA ..EVEN THE SIDELINED MBESUMA ARE BETTER PLAYERS BY FAR THAN SOME OF THE PLAYERS THIS CHI WADA PICKED..

  6. Congrats Nigeria
    But Zambia performed very well even Nigeria knows they played a good team
    Our weakest link
    Kapumbu,silwamba and ng’onga these guys must stay very away from the team

  7. Augustine Mulenga what a
    player very skillful. Zambia the Will bow down with head high. We need to appreciate this boys the have done well despise a loss.

  8. Zambiahahahahahahahahah..
    Upon all the careless verbal blusters and untamed braggadocio by the Zambians about how they would defeat Nigeria black and blue, the Super Eagles brought the Zambians down to earth.
    We warned you that your antics of mind games as being led by a certain Wedson Nyirenda wouldn’t save you from the gallows of defeat.
    Lesson learnt for Zambia:learn to respect your elders.
    Nyiretendahahahahahaha..I’m still laughing.
    Meanwhile, it would be priceless hearing from Nyirenda at this important moment.
    Up up Super Eagles. You are simply the best!!! The best from the Eagles is even yet to come.Very exiting players scattered in Europe top leagues are even still coming up through the ranks.This is just a vignette of the real Eagles that would unfold in few years from now

      • You’ve started running your mouth carelessly yet again.
        The Super Eagles will always whitewash you guys any day. They are already at the AFCON.Don’t even think about it.And who told you the Eagles don’t have young guns in their midst?
        Moses Simon is 21,Alex Iwobi(remember him) is 20,Kelechi Iheanachi is 20,Ola Aina is 20,Shehu Abdullahi is 22,Troost-Ekong is 23,Oghenekaro Etebor is 22,Henry Onyekuru is 20,Dele Alampasu is 20,Tyronne Ebuehi is 20,Wilfred Ndidi is 20,Isaac Success is 21,Al-Hassan Ibrahim is 19,Kenneth Omeruo is 23,Dennis Bonaventure is 19,Peter Olayinka is 19,Ifeanyi Mathew is 21,Victor Osimhen is 18,Chidozie Awaziem(20),Stephen Odey is 19,Samuel Kalu is 20,Kelechi Nwakali is 18.And a whole more .These are young players playing regularly for top European club sides even at their tender ages.If in doubt,conduct your independent research on them. Even the “old” ones in the current Eagles are:Mikel Obi(30),Ogenyi Onazi(24),Ahmed Musa(24),Leon Balogun(28),Ikechukwu Ezenwa(28),Daniel Akpeyi(29),Odion Ighalo(28),Elderson Echiejile(29),Victor Moses(26),John Ogu(28),Anthony Nwakaeme(28),Mikel Agu(24),Olarenwaju Kayode(highest goalscorer in the Austrian league last season and voted best player of the season, but even yet to make the Eagles squad in the ongoing World cup qualifiers) is 24. etc.
        So I don’t understand all this Zambians’ fuss about them parading youngsters against Nigeria’s “old” sters.Nigeria has won the African U-20 championship for a record 5 times,narrowly lost out winning the world U-20 title by losing in the final twice, won the world U-17 title the most times,all these without much fuss.If you must know,Nigeria is among the few countries that boast of some of the most exiting upcoming young talents in the world.

        • Who can run a mouth faster than a Nigerian. You want to be the only ones speaking. That’s why you have armed insurgents in your country because you want to shut others up. Speak speak, let them run mouth or whatever…

          • Berating another country will never make yours better, this should be a lesson to Zambian fans who did so before this match. Football isn’t played by mere words but on the soccer pitch. Learn this and you’ll be an happier football fan

        • Typically brash and uncouth Nigerian riposte! As a Nigerian I find your gloating embarrassing. Truth is: this Zambian team will go places if their football federation nurture them well. There is belief in the team, and they have time on their side to become even better. As for “we will always beat Zambia”, it’s clear that you are not a student of African football history. Zambia has been one of our toughest opponents in African football, and we’ve had a great deal of sorrow playing them in the past. They eliminated us in the AFCON ‘86 qualifiers, and thrashed us 3-0 in the 1982 AFCON group phase, when we were defending champions. I watched that match, and I feel that we were quite lucky it ended with that scorline. More recently, they gave a hint of their potential when they thoroughly ransacked our defense but fell to us on penalties at the 2010 AFCON. That team would eventually fulfill their potential by winning the 2012 AFCON. These things go in cycles, and the fact that we are at the top of the current cycle doesn’t mean they can’t overtake us in two or three years. I love the spirit of these Zambian boys. They are true gladiators of a fine African lineage! I wish them well.

  9. I hope you guys now see that it pays to be moderate in our expectations. I knew it was always going to be tough getting a win in Nigeria. It pains a lot to know that Nigeria did a double over us. But we can take solace in the fact that we now have a very formidable team that will compete on the continent. Ba wada should learn to talk less. No hating pls! Congrats to Nigeria. They deserve their ticket. The stats is there for all to see, they are even the first in Africa to qualify.

    • Nice one from you.
      Chipolopolo tried but there best was not good enough.
      The first mistake was losing at home to Nigeria.
      A moment of brilliance from the Nigerian team changed everything, that’s why you need experience as well as youth.

    • My brother, if you don’t dare to dream, you do not get what you want. Angola qualified for the 2006 world Cup at the expense of a certain NIGERIA!!

  10. The poor player was Alex ngonga where was shonga Ng’onga wasted golden chances if wada continue including him on expense of good players he must be shown an exiting back door calling 4 kalaba and Nathan is baseless Mwepu is better than these two mentioned above

  11. This african referee are bias you coasted Ghana that was a clear goal .even the goal you disallowed for zambia it was a clear goal offside from were those two referee for Ghana and zambia game the must be banned for life by fifa. Ghana must protest

  12. We have a team and the guys are young. The more we get players to Europe the better. Losing to Nigeria is not a shame. The Nigerians have players all over the world and are a great footballing Nation. Congrats Nigeria

  13. I will differ with most of you here if not all. The officiating team’s weaknesses if not incompetence deprived Zambia of what could have been a sweet victory. My argument is as follows:
    1. The Zambia goal which was disallowed was a clear cut goal that under any situation should have been allowed. The goal scorer of was never offside because of two reasons ;-a)He was set onside by the player he outpaced
    b) Two more players for Nigeria were way closer to the Nigeria goalmouth than him.
    2.The goal scored by Nigeria should not have been allowed because there was a foul( off ball) committed by pushing a Zambian defender to the ground in a violent way that warrented a penalty. This implies that the referees never handled the game fairly because a team that could have won ended up losing.I would urge FAZ to look into this matter and possibly ask FIFA/CAF to consider using the same technology that they used to analyse the S.A / Senegal game whose results were nullified.

    • Don’t swear it,the ref was given a present whilst at his hotel room. What we need in Africa are refs from other continents to officiate these international games….at times we used to have an Asian ref but I don’t see these days. My brodas are now enjoying that guineas beer I guess

    • Sore loser. Zambia will go on to lose to Cameroon in Ndola and the Eagles will trash Algeria in constantine to further reflect the gulf in class between both teams. Zambia is a small footballing nation with baseless optimism born out of ignorance. That offside was justified, albeit, a close call. Having said that, errors do happen even at the world cup. If you follow African football you will know that Nigeria took a deserved lead against France at the last world cup but it was ruled offside. This things do happen. Suck it up and accept that Chipolopolo don’t belong in the class of the eagles.

      Just what made the fans optimistic is what i dont know. football is played on the pitch and not on paper like Wada did.

      • You braggadocio my man..your team mustered one goal..against poor Zambia..as you say…you belong to what class?
        .full of shit…tgat team of yours is not good enough..if Nyirenda selected the best ayers..you would have been dust!

    • Nicely written, however, you are not good judge of man and event. Nigeria should have gotten a penalty due to the obstruction of Victor Moses in the box, but referee allowed play to continue because of ball advantage : the Zambian offside goal was well judged by the referee. It was 50/50.

  14. I have to commend the Zambian team for a spectacular performance. This team can stand it off e ok with any team in Africa, Asia, south America minus Brazil, North America, Oceania, Europe except Germany’ Spain, France and Italy. That mouthy coach has done a hell of a job and hr should be retained to continue his fine work. This team should be in the Nations cup. It will be sad if the are not there and some less fancied team go there. I love this team. All the hostility between the fans are over. We are now friends. I believe some of the players will be taken to Europe. I will have to force myself to like the coach after all the nasty things he said about our country. He has to prove that all what he said were just mind games. Congrats Chipolopolo aka copper bullet. Congrats Super Eagles aka Super Chicken. Lol

    • Well said my man. Hope you do proper things representing us on Russian soil. I wish you well.

      Chipolopolo need to adequately prepare for Namibia. No mercy on the brave warriors. Afcon is priority NOW.

    • A Nigerian here: Please, you guys should stop blaming the Zambian coach. He didn’t do anything wrong. He was just trying to psychologically boost his players. He said it from the very beginning that the match was going to demand some mental toughness; so, he needed his players to key into it.

      I have a lot of respect for Mr Nyerinda. He did a marvelous job with just a few months on the job. Nigeria need(s) a coach like him. His boys did him proud yesterday. The only problem was their finishing in front of goal.

      Finally, I believe he still needs players like mbesuma, kalaba and fwayo. Those guys are still very good. Fwayo and Malabar in particular. They gave Nigeria all sorts of problem in Ndola.

  15. WELL PLAYED CHIPOLOPOLO.BUT TO ME THE FIRST MISTAKE WAS TO SUBSTITUTE CHISAMBA LUNGU.THE MIDFIELD WAS WEAKENED-NEED TO BE CORRECTED.

    • My friend I believe, FAZ will do no such thing. In the name of humility, they will shut up & sit down quietly, even with video EVIDENCE at their disposal.

  16. Why are Zambian docile …why say Zambia played well …what ? When can see with two eyes that Nigeria has failed to beat Zambia …Zambia has lost to the referee who was paid to win the game for Nigeria …why do u fear to speak your minds …Nigeria you can’t beat us period …we scored a clear goal and the whole Nigeria went in shame by deliberately not replaying our goal …why àre they not replaying the footage for the goal …b …they were boosting of useless stars whom we brought down to earth their technician want to hide the goal by not replaying… But we have recorded the game and we shall petition like Senegal …..even those in the stadium know that they haven’t won the game …shame …Nigeria Nigeria…. Shame we respect u but u are useless u win by buying of refs

    • Stop crying, @Moze.You were flogged over two legs. A team that beat you home and away is simply better. I pray God to console you. Russia here we come.

    • This is why countries like Zambia will always be relevant.last man raised his flag and referee blew the whistle before the off side goal you are claiming.

      • Show us the goal we scored if u won the game …..why did you fail to replay the footage??? Boasting of stars when the aim is buy the ref ….

        • A Nigerian here:@ Moze:While I have no reason to believe the ref. Sold the match to Nigeria;I, however, believe your concern is genuine. Though I clearly heard the commentator mention that the ref.blew his whistle before the Zambian player struck the ball; and he also mentioned that the linesman flag was up; I have had to look at the replay a couple of times to get a proper picture of events.

          Personally, I would have advised the football association of Zambia to clarify that with Fifa(so, we can put this matter to rest).

  17. Last games in the qualifiers are very tough, Zambia wasted great opportunity in the first game at home against the super eagles,we could have won at home in the first game to have stability in the race all our away game we played superb compared to the wasted game at home last year against Nigeria. All players played well.Dont blame some players in the Zambian squad even super obi fumbled in the box several times.

  18. @Sly, I understand u are pained by the outcome of the Match, so am I, but objectivity should superceed sentiment. You argued that the goal scored by Nigeria shouldn’t have stood because the Nigerian attacker bumped into our defender and thus a penalty should have been awarded to Zambia (in your own penalty box?) , but reverse was the case, watch it again, our defender bumped into the attacker (which should av been a penalty for Nigeria) the ball rolled to another Nigerian ( called ball advantage) and the goal was scored. As for our disallowed goal, my brother this refs are humans too. It was a close call. As hurtful as it is, it happens in football, sometimes one could be at the receiving end. Instead of faz waisting time complaining or probing, they should put that energy in keeping this team. God bless Zambia!!!

  19. Football is about taking your chances. We didn’t and got punished. We lost to an experienced team, but we can draw a lot of positives from this loss. We need more players to be playing in Europe. Experience has nothing to do with age. It’s all about exposure. I’m fully behind Wada’s revolution of zed soccer. No sacred cows in the squad. We have a bright future

  20. The coach shud swallow his pride he needs those experienced prayers oso like kalaba,fwayo,mbesuma,kabaso,sinkala and lubambo.the young players needs to learn frm big guyz. Bcoz this was zambia’s game to bit naija on their back yard.we have missed an opotunity to go to russia 2018. Next kaya lyonse ati twateya bwino Ukuteya bwino kuya ku tonament chapwa.

    • If they are laughing then that’s more reason for then to stay away. Even Drogba was cheering for Ivorycoast when he wasn’t called. That’s really sad on their part.

      • Kalaba and Collins is still needed as far as am concern if you like call police, how do you wish to win Nigerian with junks players.we refused to tell thee truth rather than complaining about the ref secondly our inexperience defender bumped on victor Moses before the goal.thirdly Zambian goal was offside check his right hand and t shirt both were offside.let’s stop all this stories or rather complain to FIFA.

    • Ba guyi, I have not said anything about the offside or foul during Nigerias goal. Also, you can’t be offside with a shirt and hand, it has to be a body part you can score with. Anyway, Wadda made a tough call dropping guys like Mbesuma and Kalaba and he has gotten good results without them. What logic would it make to disturb the dynamics of a winning team or formula? He could have as easily lost this game with those players you mentioned. Also, how do you justify calling a player like Mbesuma? He has no club, he has not been playing competitive soccer for months. On what merit do you call a player, a striker at that who has not scored at any level in over six months? How? As for Kalaba, I would give opportunity based on his form. I think this is a very tough lesson for him, because the younger guys can really use his experience, but you can’t have a senior player who brings the wrong attitude to the game or the team. Would Zambia have honestly won this game with a striker who hasn’t kicked a ball on the field in over six months and player with divisive tendencies? I think not sir, ello who calls the police over internet things? Emkotionsl outbursts pa internet are not really for me.

  21. Ahahahahahahahahahahah.lmao..
    Let the excuses flow in..
    I knew it will be like this. Lolz..?????.
    Nigeria and Zambia are not mates…
    Now we can concentrate and also qualify for the nations cup.

  22. Firstly congrats to Nigeria. Here is my take on this game and my view on how the game went.

    1. Hats off to Alex Ng’onga. I see a lot of people were not happy with his performance, but I saw a good performance. Firstly he was Zambias best goal threat going forward. That chance he missed after overpowering the Nigerian number 6 was all down to his amazing hard work. Also that belter from outside the box was awesome. His work rate up front was also impressive. Still needs to work on his finishing though, but he is a player who can get himself into very good attacking positions. Let’s also not forget that cross he put into the box after skinning a defender.
    2. Fashion Sakala and Chisamba needed to be subbed. Fashion was not getting the sort of service he needed to be effective on the flank. This was because Fackson Kapumbu is not a very good ball distributor on that left flank. Fackson kicked the ball either too hard or to no one on several occasions.; with that Fashion was not really going to shine or anyone else on that left flank really. Chisamba was super quiet. Aside from that flick header to Mulenga that was deemed offside, Chisamba did not really stamp his authority on the game.
    3. Wish Patson was fit for this game. I think he is the only striker who can play with his back to goal i.e. Hold up the ball and distribute it well.
    4. We need full backs with speed. The Nigerians focused on their attacks on our left back. We are going to have to find a way to strengthen that position. No doubt Fackson can be the guy, but it will take some learning.

    Time to get to work on AFCON and time for FAZ to groom a new U20 and U17 that will complement these younger guys in future. I give Wadda full marks though I think he could have pulled Fashion earlier or before the goal.

  23. Is @djeniko and co still in this forum? I told them to tread softly, call their coach to order because the Super Eagles are an Intercontinental ballistic missile but they didnt listen. I hope your coach learned some lessons about how to be a professional. Zambia was super good no doubt I respect them. Zambians should not feel sad becos this team is made for greatness. We love you our brother Zambians. Cheers.

  24. Wow! what a game! I had my heart in my mouth in the first half as the Zambians ran rings around the Super Eagles threatening to take the lead. Experience was the difference in the outcome of the match and I was relieved when the first half ended goalless because I knew that the Super Eagles would come out different in the second half. They closed down all the Zambian passing outlets and tightened up on the dangerous Ngonga, that he had to be subbed out. They hit the Zambians on the counters and scored. They then closed up shop and the Nigerian goalkeeper was not troubled throughout the second half. This Zambian team is for the future and if kept together, they will qualify for Qatar 2022.

  25. i see a great team in future .well done guys.The under 20 full squad will gain some experience and am sure we will see a real team.thanks wada

  26. We have decided to forget all the hostility existing between Nigerian and Zambian fans. No need for that anymore. Zambia should concentrate on how to qualify for the Afcon and give Nigeria and other world cup teams sound suggestions on how to do well and bring glory to Africa. Its an African thing now. Offside or no offside doesn’t matter now. Most Nigerians will say it was an offside and some few Zambians will support us that it was an offside. These things happen. Generally the referee and his assistants were superb. 97% correct. Just complain and move on.

  27. I want to appreciate the zambia team for a well played football. But for that basket mouth coach of yours he should learn to respect elders, because 9ja and zambia are not mate. Football is played on the pitch not by mouth.

  28. Zambians that goal u scored was a clear goal. But at the end of 90minute, it is Nigeria 1 zambia 0. If its pains u so much go and erase 0 and put 1 on the score board.

  29. I believe ur basket mouth coach shld learn his lesson now after winning games with his mouth. His pride was what brought him down in Nigeria. You can’t count ur eggs before they hatch, esp when u face tough teams like d Super Eagles. Good play by u (zambians), u really showed you are a force to reckon with in African football. One love Africa!

  30. Earlier, I said the Zambians are boastful, but today match against Nigeria proved me wrong. It’s sad to lose a competition, especially a football match. But your team was excellent. They did well and you should be proud of them. Am a Nigeria.

  31. The referee won he game not Nigeria… We scored and the Nigerian s are so shameful that they can’t replay our goal at any time …which is a big sign …

    • Don’t be silly. Is it Nigeria that broadcasted the match or the TV station? Is SuperSport a Nigerian TV company? You guys are good but not good enough. Accept it and move on you cry baby.

  32. I SAID IT ONCE AND I WILL SAY IT AGAIN. ZAMBIA HAS NEVER IN HISTORY WON A GAME ON WEST AFRICAN SOIL. SO PLEASE DONT BRAG THE NEXT TIME YOU GO TO WEST AFRICA BECAUSE YOUR HISTORY SAYS OTHERWIZE. AND FIND A SOLOUTION ON HOW TO BEAT WEST AFRICAN TEAMS ON THIER SOIL

  33. The black stars of Ghana FA are petitioning the clearly goal which which disallowed for offside due to poor officiating & they are demanding for replay and what about you FAZ? The goal for AUGUSTINE MULENGA was a clear goal no off side with no magic no favor due to poor officiating the goal was disallowed.

  34. Go and ask Supersports for the replay of the offside goal. That has absolutely nothing to do with Nigeria. Stop being bad losers!

    • Swallow your pride and accept that was a fluke win if I were you I would not even boast where is your honor? in a frying pan at KFC or NANDOs….shame on you!

  35. Zambia played well for Nigeria all the best.Our team is young and skilful they didn’t respect your stars for me chipolopolo was a good side playing away and Nigeria stragglered to beat chipolopolo.the damage was done in Ndola.next time

  36. Zambia was never going to qualify for the 2018 World Cup. Let’s just make that clear. Even if we had won in Nigeria today (which I never believed was ever going to happen) Zambia would still have been behind Nigeria on goal difference.

    However, for the loss we suffered at home, we needed to win this game to give the Zambia fans something to cheer about. That being said, this game was lost before it was played. To have the confidence of Wada on Alex Ngonga as the guy to win you a Must Win Game in Nigeria is pure lunacy. The guy showed you on 3 or 4 occasions that he is incapable of heating the target when it is much easier to score than not. Why would he be the guy to rely on? Did you say Patson Daka? Seriously! Don’t get me wrong the boy is good but has some maturing to do at senior level. He and Fashion will be ready next year after spending a full season in Europe playing adult football.

    So then I ask again, on what basis was this confidence built on to win the game? Kalaba, Fwayo, Mbola, Lubambo, Luchanga, Kola & Nathan should have been included in this team and I hope the coach swallows his pride and integrate these boys with what he has developed. He will have a crack team.

    Zambia is like a leaky boat where the owner constantly plugs the new holes by removing the old plugs to cover the new plugs. Hence the owner is always plugging holes yet wonders why his boat is always leaky.

    You discover some U20 players that can add value to the senior team but guess what you do, get rid of all the experienced players to start afresh.

    Well, now you have a striker problem. By the time you solve that one, Nsunzu will be done, then Mweene. Hence the boat owner that keeps plugging and never goes out to deep sea to catch the big fish.

    What is wrong with Mbola, Evans Kangwa, Lewis Marcha, Salulani Phiri etc?

    • I can agree with you that perhaps we needed Kalaba in place of Ngonga and Mbola in place of Silwimba, and Nathan Sinkala in place of Mtonga but Patson Daka is a wonderful player with plenty of pace and Brian Mwila is a natural goal scorer. We do not need a lot of the players you have mentioned.

    • I agree with you folk even if Zambia won yesterday still we could have had a mountain to climb as the super chickens had a better goal difference and better than us head to head, so please mourners stop crying like teething baby and suck your thumbs and be quite! relish the quality soccer exhibited by our boys.

  37. I just cant stop thinking of how that Mulenga Under 20 boy will develop. The boy who likes cracking shots from range. He needs to hone his passion, and he puts wonderful spins on the ball just the accuracy. That’s the new Johnstone Bwalya. We need to groom that boy. He is always pushing, we need that in the future team. That keeper was not tested. The team was incomplete particularly without Mwila and Daka. If we qualify to AFCON, we could do something…

  38. You’ve started running your mouth carelessly yet again.
    The Super Eagles will always whitewash you guys any day. They are already at the AFCON.Don’t even think about it.And who told you the Eagles don’t have young guns in their midst?
    Moses Simon is 21,Alex Iwobi(remember him) is 20,Kelechi Iheanachi is 20,Ola Aina is 20,Shehu Abdullahi is 22,Troost-Ekong is 23,Oghenekaro Etebor is 22,Henry Onyekuru is 20,Dele Alampasu is 20,Tyronne Ebuehi is 20,Wilfred Ndidi is 20,Isaac Success is 21,Al-Hassan Ibrahim is 19,Kenneth Omeruo is 23,Dennis Bonaventure is 19,Peter Olayinka is 19,Ifeanyi Mathew is 21,Victor Osimhen is 18,Chidozie Awaziem(20),Stephen Odey is 19,Samuel Kalu is 20.And a whole more .These are young players playing regularly for top European club sides even at their tender ages.If in doubt,conduct your independent research on them. Even the “old” ones in the current Eagles are:Mikel Obi(30),Ogenyi Onazi(24),Ahmed Musa(24),Leon Balogun(28),Ikechukwu Ezenwa(28),Daniel Akpeyi(29),Odion Ighalo(28),Elderson Echiejile(29),Victor Moses(26),John Ogu(28),Anthony Nwakaeme(28),Mikel Agu(24),Olarenwaju Kayode(highest goalscorer in the Austrian league last season and voted best player of the season, but even yet to make the Eagles squad in the ongoing World cup qualifiers) is 24. etc.
    So I don’t understand all this Zambians’ fuss about them parading youngsters against Nigeria’s “old” sters.Nigeria has won the African U-20 championship for a record 5 times,narrowly lost out winning the world U-20 title by losing in the final twice, won the world U-17 title the most times,won olympic football Gold,Silver and Bronze,all these without much fuss.If you must know,Nigeria is among the few countries that boast of some of the most exiting upcoming young talents in the world.

    • Zambia is like the spoilt child who thinks daddy will come to help when he is in trouble. They simply talk too much and that explains why they are underachievers. Since winning the AFCON 2012 everyone seems to think they are African football power house. That performance in UYO was embarrassing. After all the noise they should at least turn up.

    • The same super chickens were not at the U20 AFCON and World U20 Championships in South Korea, the thing is you won yesterday but you don’t own the whole soccer world wait until your chicken wings are plucked in Russia because there will be no Ref to bribe!

  39. Wada took foot soldiers only to a battle that required assassins & snipers. Being clinical infront of goals isn’t optional-how can you leave Iwobi unmarked when Nigeria had being trying to pull this draw back move from the opening whistle. As for the offside; it was a goal scoring opportunity wrongly denied; it wasn’t a goal denied but a good goal scoring opportunity wrongly denied; chances are the Nigerian defenders on the back foot with their backs facing goal; would not have had the pace to keep up with an already inflight speedy Mulenga-good goal scoring opportunity denied. In the first half when the Zambian players stopped expecting ref to blow the whistle; he deliberately kept quite without indicating he playing advantage and Nigeria almost punished Zambia. On a number of occasions; the Nigerians simply pushed over Zambian players to thwart the vaunted Zambian counter attack and the ref did nothing about it. Ref worked hard for his $10k match bonus from Gov of Uyo.

    • I don’t agree with you because you are too over-expectant actually Wada has done better than any other Coach we have had since 1994. He turned around a team that had no confidence at all and lacked drive to a team that can stand up against any opposition, don’t just look at today’s results at least be perceptive. Remember the same Nigeria you envying now at one time failed to qualify the AFCON and we laughed at them, now see they a force to recon with! There is a time to build, a time to plant and a time to reap but alas! Zambian supporters are only interested in the harvest…. Mediocrity!!!!!!

      • If Collins, Kalaba, and Fwayo were on the bench; would he have played them in yesterdays game? He would have played at the least; two of them. He has unwisely backed himself into a corner; yesterdays game required marksmen like Mbesuma, South Africa’s Rumptey. He has done ok to cut it as an assistant coach at this level but Zambia’s problems in defense, stuttering midfield-without Mwepu it’s shambolic, blunt frontline leave alot to be desired;questionable man management; Johan Cruff, Paul Gascoigne,Zidane,Maradona, Roger Milla, Pogba, Mario Balotelli etc would have never made it onto Wadas team because they are egomaniacs, eccentrics; it’s fine line and he messed up on it hence why Zambia is not going to the World Cup. The Super Eagles, as I have always mentioned, are a weak team and can only prey for a weak group to have the remotest of chances of making it out of the group matches at the World Cup; against a passing team like Chile, any South American team; this time around they will be humiliated by cricket score margins as the book is already out on the glaring weaknesses of the Super Eagles; Japan and Iran are their only prayer.

        • R2D2. You are talking like a sore loser by talking about Nigeria’s chances at the mundial. You mentioned Chile which is amongst the best 3 teams in the world. Of course, they belong to a different class compaired to the Nigerians who are ranked number 48 in the world. Nigeria Vs Zambia has always been a close affairs due to their style of play. Having said that, Zambia is a weak team all day long. Parading individuals who are second best is not an achievement and Wada should not be proud of this boys. When Cameroon visits Ndola next month you should expect a more resounding victory & I think that will bring all Zambians back to reality. Discarding the experienced guns abruptly was very unwise decision by Wada. Discarding players like Fwayo and Mbesuma was clearly a stupid decision.

        • A Nigerian here:@ R2D2: I agree with your observation that Nigeria does not have a team at the moment. As coach Nyerinda rightly opined before the match “You guys have big names,but we have a team.” Very true!

          We have good players scattered all over the world. Our coaches are usually armtwisted to select players connected to the “big ogas.” If we do not correct this and proceed to the world cup with some of these half-baked players, then our world cup will surely be over before it even starts.

          Personally, I believe we need a coach like Mr. Nyerinda. He is bold and very motivated. But, he needs to recall Kalaba, Mbesuma, Fwayo and Sinkala. These guys would surely have made the difference at Uyo!

  40. It was unfortunate we lost key strikers otherwise We played well in defense and midfield but upfront we had no one to hold the ball and invite the Nigerian defenders. That’s why fashion and chisamba never performed well because they always tried to get on top and abandon the wings. I think the coach should have started shonga, and if possible recalling tired Mbesuma if available would have helped to hold the ball and allow mwepu to supply Chisamba and fashion with ball. Otherwise we were poor upfront. This is what Nigeria capitalised on knowing that we could not manage to be vibrant whole 90min in midfield and defence and a chance they scored. Forgive the Ref for that disallowed goal but Ngonga was the waist striker cause he could have scored 2 goals.

  41. Wada on the right truck, just do one part forgive other lads and create two teams for Zambia one for older players and also young lads. When there is a game let them play friendly and pick the best combination. We can win AFCON again with what I saw.

  42. FAZ terminates MAFRO deal???? Looked like they were wearing the maffi kit to me-or is it a case of less than mediocre faz at it again

  43. I just want to Congratulate Nigeria for qualifying. They were the better team in the Group. But i’m proud of the boys for trying their best. The had the Nigerians worried. At some time the stadium was quiet.

    The Coach also needs to swallow his pride Sinkala and Rainford for me would have done us some good. As a Coach you need to know how to handle players who will always pride. Any team has such kind of “spoilt sons”.

    • @ sibs shouldn’t it be Kalaba that should be swallowing his pride? You’re right to say any team has players with egos band I believe Wada is trying to show them spoilt chaps who the boss is. I think Kalaba or Sinkala will be recalled but the coach had to send a clear message to such players.

  44. Nigeria,Egypt, Tunisia,Senegal n CIV/Morocco. I see Tunisia making it into the quarterfinals . They were so impressive against Guinea away from home

  45. Wow losing to Nigeria is a real motivation for the team and fans at large.nigeria won the game than to the well paid lineman .Ward please keep that team and mantain it on current performance.look for more sharp and accurate strikers and not Alex .his finishing is not what we need in the team to win games.the team lacked a finisher.i expect you qualfy Zambia to afcon. Where you must go clam victory on Nigeria.thnx Wada you can make it.keep it up. I cannot blame you for Nigeria loss

  46. Coach Wedson Nyirenda of Zambia’s national team, Chipolopolo, says he is proud of his team and not disappointed losing 0-1 to the Super Eagles of Nigeria in the second leg of Russia 2018 World Cup qualifier. Nyirenda made the assertion on Saturday in Uyo at a post-match news conference at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium, Uyo, venue of the qualifier. The coach, who congratulated the Super Eagles of Nigeria on their qualification for the World Cup, said he was happy with his team. “I don’t have any regret. I’m very happy, it wasn’t easy, the Super Eagles have experience, this is our best game so far.
    “Our objective is to rebuild the team within a short time. We have very hard working and determined players, I am proud of my team,’’ Nyirenda said.
    The coach said that the team knew it was coming to Nigeria for a very tough game and had prepared very well. “We played a very good game and for me, the future is great for the team,’’ he said. Also, the Captain of Chipolopolo, Kennedy Nweene, said the team had no regret over the result of the match. “We have a lot of young players, I am very happy the way we conducted ourselves in the game, I am not disappointed,’’ Nweene said.

    In his reaction, the Super Eagles Coach, Gernot Rohr, said his team had a very difficult game and that the team did not underrate the Chipolopolo players. Rohr said he was happy that his team won and qualified for the 2018 World Cup in Russia, explaining, however, that the team would take the remaining matches seriously. “The most difficult game in the qualifiers is today, we are at home, the pressure to win at home was high. “Today was a big fight, we had to be intelligent and not concede a goal, I am very happy for the victory,’’ Rohr said.
    The Super Eagles Captain, Mikel Obi, said the match with the Chipolopolo was very tactical. Mikel said the future was bright for the Chipolopolo players, describing them as good, physically fit and energetic. He, however, said the Super Eagles were more technical than the Chipolopolo players in the match. Mikel said he was proud to be the captain of the Super Eagles and that his team was ready for the 2018 World Cup in Russia.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the match was tension- soaked as the Super Eagles players missed many scoring chances until the 73rd minute when Alex Iwobi scored the winner. Iwobi’s entry as a substitute to Simon Moses in the second half of the match changed the tempo of the game putting smile at last on the faces of the Super Eagles fans.

  47. Disappointed..yes…sad…No.
    The team played well , the eagles were ok but did not play us off the field. In a game of fine margins one goal was all that mattered at the end. No we’ll never know what a difference that goal by Augustine Mulenga could have made.
    This then begs the question.. how many shocking refereeing decisions have cost us??
    Wedson indicated in a recent interview that the officiating in the Cameroun match cost Zambia.
    ..and what about the under – 20’s .. in their final match against Italy the substitute goal sorer – the one with the blond hair should have been red-carded for a deliberate stamp … all in full view of the linesman- nothing was given.Minutes later he scored…
    Still, congratulations to the super eagles you played well and your strikers were clinical when it mattered. Good luck for Russia!!!

  48. All zambia needs to do is organise freindly away with west africa soil. This is because ZAMBIA HAS NEVER WON AWAY ON WEST AFRICAN SOIL. zambia needs to practice on how to get a win away on west african soil because the weat africana will always be in your group for world cup qualifiers. IDENTIFY YOUR WEAKNESS AND ATTACK IT HEAD ON

  49. Ahahahahahahahahahahhahahahahaha…
    Who said the offside call was wrong? Lol..maybe you were watching the back of the Tv. The ref already blew the whistle long since, yet the Zambian player was running like a headless chIcken to score even when our goalkeeper had already kept quiet waiting to take the ball. Watch the game again if you doubt.

  50. Congratulations Nigeria and More congratulations zambia . You have a solid team for the future. You only need to integrate a little experience to the young lads and the sky is the limit. Wondered why the likes of Mbesuma and kalaba were left out. Congratulations Africa

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