Nigeria’s bid for a spot at the 2026 FIFA World Cup took a major hit as Zimbabwe scored a last-minute equalizer to force a 1-1 draw at the Godswill Akpabio Stadium in Uyo.
The Super Eagles looked set for victory after Victor Osimhen broke the deadlock in the 73rd minute with a well-placed header from Ola Aina’s cross. However, Zimbabwe kept pressing and found a way through in stoppage time when Tawanda Chirewa slipped into the box and slotted past goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali.
Nigeria dominated possession in the first half but struggled to break down Zimbabwe’s defense. The visitors nearly took the lead in the 14th minute when Knowledge Musona fired into the side netting. The Super Eagles had their own chances, with Samuel Chukwueze missing a close-range shot and Lookman’s powerful volley flying just over the bar.
The second half saw Nigeria push harder, and their efforts paid off in the 73rd minute when Osimhen converted Aina’s pinpoint cross. Zimbabwe, however, refused to give up, hitting the woodwork in the 76th minute before finally equalizing through Chirewa in added time.
The draw leaves Nigeria in a difficult position in their World Cup qualifying campaign. With just six points from five matches, the team faces an uphill battle to secure a spot at the tournament. Zimbabwe, despite sitting at the bottom of Group C, showed resilience and denied Nigeria a crucial win.
The Super Eagles will now have to regroup and find a way to turn their campaign around before it’s too late.
