Ndidi Stars As Nigeria Book World Cup Spot

Internationals
07 Oct 2017
1 Minute
Leicester City’s Wilfred Ndidi starred as Nigeria booked their place at the 2018 World Cup with a 1-0 victory over Zambia on Saturday evening.

- Nigeria secured qualification for the 2018 World Cup on Saturday
- Wilfred Ndidi started in Uyo while Kelechi Iheanacho and Ahmed Musa were on the bench
- Daniel Amartey's Ghana were forced to settle for a 0-0 stalemate with Uganda
- Harry Maguire and Kasper Schmeichel continue Leicester City's representation on Sunday

The Super Eagles join 11 other nations, including Japan (Shinji Okazaki) and England (Harry Maguire, Jamie Vardy), to have secured their spot at next summer's showpiece.

While Kelechi Iheanacho and Ahmed Musa were unused substitutes in Uyo, Ndidi played for 90 minutes to help the three-time African champions reach their sixth World Cup finals.

Alex Iwobi’s 73rd minute strike sparked jubilant celebrations for the hosts at Godswill Akpabio Stadium before Ndidi was forced off with a knock in the final seconds.

Earlier in the day, Daniel Amartey appeared as Ghana were held to a 0-0 draw by Uganda in Kampala, a result which puts qualification out of their hands.

The Black Stars trail Egypt by three points in African Group E and a victory for the Pharoahs against Congo on Sunday will put them through with one match remaining.

Only the five group winners will qualify from Africa.

Also on Sunday, meanwhile, Maguire could make his senior debut for England during their final clash of the campaign in Lithuania.

Amartey in action for Ghana.

Kasper Schmeichel’s Denmark also welcome Romania to Copenhagen. The Danes are three points ahead of third-placed Montenegro and another three adrift of leaders Poland.

Eight runners-up with the strongest record in their groups will proceed to play-offs to decide the remaining four European berths at the World Cup.

On Friday, Andy King (Wales), Aleksandar Dragović (Austria), Demarai Gray (England U21s), Daniel Iversen (Denmark U21s) and Alex Pascanu (Romania U21s) all enjoyed victories.

Check back to LCFC.com throughout the week for updates on the Club's international stars.