Zimbabwe this evening held Nigeria to a 1-1 draw in a 2026 World Cup qualifier, frustrating the Super Eagles’ chances of reaching the competition.
Victor Osimhen scored in the 74th minute before Zimbabwe pegged Nigeria back in the 90th minute, reports Channels TV.
Coming off the back of a 0-2 win over Rwanda on Friday, the Super Eagles were hopeful of reviving their World Cup dreams after faltering in their first four matches in the qualification race.
Against the Warriors of Zimbabwe at the Godswill Akpabio Stadium in Akwa Ibom, Nigeria began the match with a wave of chances to take the lead. But some brave defending from the visitors prevented Eric Chelle’s side from finding the net.
Nigeria intensified their quest for a goal but found it hard to break down the Zimbabwean defense. However, in the 74th minute, the Super Eagles had a breakthrough! Expectedly, Osimhen connected neatly to a Simon Moses low cross to nod home in the far post. 1-0 to the Super Eagles!
However, Zimbabwe also levelled things up just immediately after Nigeria’s defence was cut nabbing. Only the crossbar saved the Super Eagles from conceding.
Nigerian looked like scoring another one, but Leicester City’s Wilfred Ndidi could not place his shot well when through on goal.
The Super Eagles later paid for it as the defenders failed to snuff out a late Zimbabwean attack.
Tawanda Chirewa beat goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali in his near post in the 90th minute to break Nigeria’s heart!
