Nigeria’s aspirations of qualifying for the 2026 FIFA World Cup suffered a significant setback as the Super Eagles were held to a frustrating 1-1 draw by Zimbabwe in Uyo.
The result leaves Nigeria’s fate in the qualifiers hanging in the balance, with the team now relying on other results to keep their dreams alive.
A crucial fixture in Group C of the CAF qualifying section, Tuesday’s match saw Nigeria take the lead in the 74th minute through a diving header by star striker Victor Osimhen.
The goal, assisted by Ola Aina’s pinpoint cross, sparked celebrations among the home crowd and seemed to set the Super Eagles on course for a vital three points.
However, Zimbabwe stunned the hosts in the 90th minute when Tawanda Chirewa, capitalized on a defensive lapse to poke the ball past goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali.
Nigeria, under the guidance of head coach Eric Chelle, entered the game on the back of a morale-boosting 2-0 victory over Rwanda just four days prior.
With six points from five matches heading into the clash, the Super Eagles were desperate to close the gap on group leaders South Africa, who sit six points ahead after a 2-0 win over Benin earlier today.
Zimbabwe, languishing at the bottom of the group with just three points, showed resilience to snatch a point that could prove costly for the Super Eagles’ qualification hopes.
The first half was a tense affair, with Nigeria dominating possession but struggling to convert chances.
Osimhen came close early on, forcing Zimbabwe goalkeeper Washington Arubi into a string of saves within the opening 10 minutes.
Despite the pressure, the Warriors held firm, and the teams went into the break level at 0-0.
The second half saw Nigeria ramp up the intensity, with Alex Iwobi and substitute Tolu Arokodare testing the Zimbabwean defense, but it was Osimhen’s header that finally broke the deadlock.
Zimbabwe nearly equalized immediately after, with Knowledge Musona striking the crossbar, before Chirewa’s late heroics ensured the visitors left Uyo with a share of the spoils.
The goal exposed frailties in Nigeria’s backline, particularly from captain William Troost-Ekong, who was caught out of position as Chirewa ghosted into the box.
The draw leaves Nigeria fourth in Group C with seven points after six matches, trailing South Africa (13 points), Rwanda (8 points), and Benin (8 points).
With only the group winner guaranteed a spot at the 2026 finals, Nigeria’s path to qualification has become increasingly precarious.
Next up for the Super Eagles’ is a home game against Rwanda in September, and South Africa away—matches that could determine their fate.
Post-match reactions reflected the disappointment in the Nigerian camp.
“This is not the result we wanted,” said Coach Chelle. “We had the game in our hands, but we switched off at the crucial moment. We must regroup and fight harder.”
Osimhen, visibly frustrated, declined to join his teammates in acknowledging the crowd, a sign of the mounting pressure on the team.
For Zimbabwe, the point was a testament to their determination
“We came here to compete, and we showed we can stand up to anyone,” said Chirewa, whose goal could prove a defining moment in the Warriors’ campaign.
As the final whistle blew, the mood in Uyo was one of disbelief and concern. Nigeria’s World Cup dreams, already shaken by a failure to qualify for the 2022 tournament in Qatar, now hangs by a thread.
With four matches remaining, the Super Eagles will need a near-perfect run—and some help from their rivals—to secure a ticket to the expanded 48-team tournament in 2026.
