Arsenal’s Alex Iwobi’s own goal couldn’t have come at a better time, that 74th minute thriller sent the entire Godswill Akpabio Stadium in Uyo into a memorable frenzy.

It was an impressive performance by Gernot Rohr’s men in Uyo the Akwa Ibom State Capital although there was a 23rd minute scarer when an Augustin Mulenga ball got past Ikechukwu Ezenwa and Alex Ngonga also forced him to punch the ball out for a corner some time later. But our Eagles eventually bounced back, Iwobi came on as a super sub in the second half and converted Shehu Abdullahi’s assist, and with that, we were on our way to Russia!

Nigeria now tops Group B with 13 points from five games, and for the benefit of the less football history inclined; this is Nigeria’s sixth appearance in the world cup.

Congratulations came pouring in; President Muhammadu Buhari’s congratulatory message came in just minutes after the final whistle. Presidential spokesperson Femi Adesina lauded the remarkable achievement saying it was ‘very sweet, soothing and a 57th independence anniversary gift to the nation’.  He also said this of the president; ‘as he joined millions of football-loving Nigerians in rejoicing with the players and their coaching crew, President Buhari called on all Nigerians to apply the values of perseverance, resilience, discipline, hard work and team spirit which propelled the footballers to excel since the beginning of the qualifying matches, to all sectors of national life’.

The president also thanked the Akwa Ibom State government for their unwavering support for the Super Eagles and promised continued support from the Federal Government within available resources.

                 RUSSIA HERE WE COME!