The preview of the game was all about Arsenal's Alex Iwobi. The 20-year old lived up to the prematch hype by scoring the opener and also showed glimpses of potentials in some patches.
However, Goalkeeper Carl Ikeme stole the show. The Wolves star simply outshone everybody. He was at his imperious best all through.
The enforced retirement of Legendary Vincent Enyeama seemed an irreparable loss to the National team. But with this performance by Ikeme, fans will only be looking at a bright future instead of a glorious past.
From the blast of the whistle, the Super Eagles played with loads of confidence, like a group of soldiers on a mission to Sambisa forest.
The fluidity of an Iheanacho lead attack, the bravado of a Mikel Obi lead midfield and the Swagger of an Ekong marshalled defence line were all a joy to behold.
It was for me the best first half performance of any Super Eagles side in recent times.
Nonetheless, the second half was a stack difference to the first. Expectedly, the Zambians came out blazing but the Eagles couldn't get out of the first gear.
The full backs couldn't join the attack. Wilfred Ndidi proved that he's not a natural full back. Kenneth Omeruo showed that he can excite and frustrate in equal measures. Ogenyi Onazi flattered to deceive.
The Eagles couldn't put string of passes together.
At the end however, we managed to get all three points away from home which was the aim.
Gernot Rohr's side is still a work in progress and will certainly improve.
Given years of abject failures, following a generation of more glorious failures, Fans of the Super Eagles won't be expecting much miracle from this team. But if their first half performance at Ndola amidst the intimidating supporters is the yardstick, then no the green and white of the Nigeria's Super Eagles and not of the Algerian's Eagles will fly in Russia in 2018.
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