Arsène Wenger has congratulated all Nigerian Arsenal fans after the Super Eagles qualified for the World Cup next year.

Nigeria qualified with a win over Zambia, courtesy of a goal from Arsenal’s own Alex Iwobi, and Wenger posted a message through Arsenal Media to praise their achievement, saying: “Congratulations to all the fans in Nigeria, I know that you are very very many. We are very proud that you qualified. On top of that, of course, our player scored a goal for you, that makes us even prouder. Well done, and see you in the World Cup.”

Arsenal have plenty of connections to Nigeria. Nwankwo Kanu is an Arsenal legend, who won two league titles, two FA Cups and a Community Shield with the Gunners over a five year spell, scoring 43 goals for the club. Kanu won the u17 World Cup with Nigeria in 1993, as well as an Olympic Gold Medal and the Afro-Asian Cup of Nations in 1995.

Then Alex Iwobi, of course, has already been in and around the starting 11 for the Gunners for two years, despite only being 21-years-old. As Wenger mentions, his goal sent his country to the World Cup, so he’s having a good time for both teams at the moment.

In the future, perhaps we will also see more of midfielder, Kelechi Nwakali. The Arsenal youngster is currently on loan at VVV-Venlo, until he can secure a work permit for the Gunners. The 19-year-old repeated Kanu’s feat by leading Nigeria to the u17 World Cup title in 2015, winning the Golden Ball Award in the process.

So, as Arsène Wenger says, congratulations again to Nigeria!