Nyirenda: Zambia Will Make Up For The Loss To Nigeria

Zambia coach, Wedson Nyirenda, was a disconsolate  figure Saturday as he watched his side lose gallantly 2-1 to the Super Eagles of Nigeria in their Group B opener of the 2018 World Cup qualifiers in Ndola, but promised to compensate the home fans with better results in the subsequent games.


Alex Iwobi and Kelechi Iheanacho score in the 32nd and 42nd minute respectively, to give Nigeria a 2-0 first half lead. Chipolopolo's hitman, Collins Mbesuma netted the home side's lone goal in the 71st minute.

“We are rebuilding the team and at the same time expecting to qualify for the FIFA World Cup. We have brought new players to the team and I think they blended well with the old players," Zamfoot quotes Nyirenda as saying during the post-match chat with journalists in Ndola.

“But most of all I am happy with the response we got from our fans. After conceding those two goals they continued to support us. That means that we have real Chipolopolo supporters. They went on until the last minute. Even when we missed those chances they kept on chanting for us.

“But football being what it is, the result today went the other way. I would like to assure our fans that we will compensate this loss in upcoming matches and give them what they deserve.”

Zambia are presently at the bottom of Group B log after match-day one, will travel to Limbe to confront the Indomitable Lions of Cameroun on November 12.

Nigeria will host Algeria in Uyo in the other match-day two encounter of Group B also on November 12.