Nigeria’s hopes of securing a spot in the 2026 FIFA World Cup took another hit on Tuesday after the Super Eagles were held to a 1-1 draw by Zimbabwe at the Godswill Akpabio Stadium in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State.
Buoyed by their recent 2-0 win over Rwanda, Nigeria entered the match looking to build on that momentum. However, despite dominating possession and creating several early opportunities, they struggled to break through Zimbabwe’s solid defensive setup.
After sustained pressure, the breakthrough finally came in the 74th minute. Victor Osimhen, showing his trademark predatory instincts, expertly headed in a low cross from Moses Simon to hand Nigeria the lead.
But the advantage was short-lived. A lapse in concentration at the back almost proved costly when Zimbabwe struck the crossbar, and moments later, the visitors found their equalizer.
In the 90th minute, Tawanda Chirewa punished Nigeria’s slack defending, slotting the ball past goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali at his near post—stunning the home crowd into silence.
Nigeria had a late chance to reclaim victory, but Wilfred Ndidi failed to capitalize on a clear-cut opportunity, leaving the Super Eagles frustrated as they dropped crucial points yet again.
With qualification hopes hanging in the balance, the result adds pressure on Nigeria to improve their performance in the remaining matches of the campaign.
