Football Association of Zambia (FAZ) have announced next month’s 2018 World Cup qualifier between Zambia and Nigeria in Ndola will now be played on October 9.

The kick-off time will be announced later.

This new date is six days outside the October 3 date most people especially in Nigeria have been working with as the date for the fixture.

Observers informed that the new FAZ administration has not been proactive by the choice of this date as it will not allow them to fit in a warm-up game during the week-long FIFA friendly window to prepare for the trip to Cameroon in November in continuation of the World Cup qualifying series.

Both teams last met at the 2013 AFCON in South Africa and in ended in a 1-1 draw in Nelspruit.

It was further gathered that following the dismissal of the petition against the recent presidential elections in Zambia, the 2012 AFCON champions are expected to soon name a permanent coach.

Zesco United coach George Lwandamina, who has been in temporary charge of the Chipolopolo.

Algeria and Cameroon are the other teams in this World Cup qualifying group.

Collins Okinyo

Ex- CAF Media Expert. An expert on African football with over 15 years experience ,always with an ear to the ground with indepth knowledge of the game. I have worked for top publications including 7 years at www.supersport.com until i founded www.soka25east.com to quench the thirst of football lovers across the continent. I have trained young upcoming journalists who are now a voice in African football.I have covered World Cup,AFCON,CHAN,Champions League,Confederations Cup,Cecafa,Cosafa,Wafu and many other football tournaments across the World. Founder Football Africa Arena(FAA),Founder www.afrisportdigital.com