Nigeria became the first African team to secure a place at the Russia 2018 World Cup finals after beating Zambia 1-0 in the penultimate round of Group B on Saturday.

Arsenal forward Alex Iwobi scored Nigeria's only goal with 15 minutes remaining to help an in-form Nigeria side gain an unassailable lead at the top with one match to spare.

The Super Eagles, who enjoyed an impressive qualifying campaign, top their group with 13 points, six over second-placed Zambia. They will play Algeria in a meaningless match in the last round next month.

Nigeria won four games out of five, beating Zambia 2-1 in the first round, Algeria 3-1, Cameroon 4-0, and Zambia 1-0. Their only match not to win was a 1-1 draw away to Cameroon.

In the other group match, Cameroon defeated Algeria 2-0 at Stade Ahmadou Ahidjo.

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