Nigeria’s hopes of qualifying for the 2026 FIFA World Cup suffered a major setback after the Super Eagles were held to a 1-1 draw by Zimbabwe at the Godswill Akpabio Stadium in Uyo on Tuesday.
Victor Osimhen opened the scoring for Nigeria in the 74th minute, heading in a precise cross from Ola Aina. However, Zimbabwe refused to back down, and Tawanda Chirewa stunned the home crowd with a 90th-minute equalizer, ensuring the Warriors snatched a crucial point.
The result leaves Nigeria with seven points in Group C, one point behind Benin and Rwanda, and six points adrift of group leaders South Africa, who defeated Benin 2-0 in an away fixture.
Super Eagles head coach Eric Chelle stuck with the same starting XI that secured a 2-0 victory over Rwanda at the Amahoro Stadium in Kigali.
Super Eagles starting XI
Stanley Nwabali; Ola Aina, William Troost-Ekong, Calvin Bassey, Bright Osayi-Samuel; Wilfred Ndidi, Alex Iwobi, Samuel Chukwueze, Moses Simon; Ademola Lookman, Victor Osimhen.
The first half ended goalless, with both teams creating scoring opportunities. Nigeria struggled to find their rhythm, while Zimbabwe posed a threat, forcing crucial saves from Super Eagles goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali. Osimhen came close to scoring, but his header was denied by Zimbabwean goalkeeper Washington Arubi.
Zimbabwe looked the more dangerous side at times, consistently testing Nwabali, who made key stops to keep the Super Eagles in the game. Meanwhile, Nigeria’s midfield trio of Wilfred Ndidi, Samuel Chukwueze, and Alex Iwobi, along with Moses Simon, lacked creativity and struggled with cohesion.
After a tense second half, Osimhen’s header finally gave Nigeria the lead, but Zimbabwe continued to press forward. Their persistence paid off in stoppage time when Tawanda Chirewa dribbled past his marker and fired home a left-footed strike, silencing the home fans.
The result further complicates Nigeria’s path to the 2026 World Cup, leaving the Super Eagles in a must-win situation for their upcoming qualifiers.
