Alex Iwobi made his first competitive start for Nigeria in their World Cup qualifier against Zambia on Sunday.
The 20-year-old Arsenal forward had started in two friendlies for the Super Eagles prior to their opening third round CAF Group B qualifying fixture for Russia 2018 but this was his full debut in meaningful competition.
Iwobi marked the occasion with his first senior international goal to give Nigeria a 1-0 lead in their eventual 2-1 victory in Ndola.
A defensive error from Zambia defender Adrian Chama fell kindly for Iwobi who needed no second invitation to fire a volley beyond Kennedy Mweene in the 32nd minute.
Iwobi started up front alongside Manchester City youngster Kelechi Iheanacho who added his country's second 10 minutes later.
Zambia pulled one back with less than 20 minutes remaining but it wasn't enough to deny Gunners ace Iwobi and his Super Eagles teammates a vital away win, of which he was enormously proud.
Happy To Get My 1st International Competitive Debut Start & International Competitive Goal For My Country As Well As A Win #SuperEaglespic.twitter.com/8HRoeFueHm
— Alexander Iwobi (@alexiwobi) October 10, 2016
The match was Lagos-born, London-raised Iwobi's fifth appearance for Nigeria having debuted in October last year despite playing for England at youth level.
