Nigeria’s Super Eagles drew 1-1 with Zimbabwe, affecting their World Cup qualifying hopes. After a prior win over Rwanda, they created chances but failed to finish. Victor Osimhen scored but late equalizer by Zimbabwe put Nigeria fourth in their group with seven points, trailing other teams.
Nigeria’s Super Eagles faced a setback in their 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifying campaign after securing a 1-1 draw against Zimbabwe at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium in Uyo, Akwa Ibom. Following a promising 2-0 victory against Rwanda, the team struggled to convert their offensive efforts into goals against Zimbabwe despite dominating possession and creating multiple scoring opportunities.
The opening goal was scored in the 73rd minute when Moses Simon delivered a well-timed pass to Tolu Arokodare. Arokodare flicked the ball to Ole Aina, whose precise cross allowed Victor Osimhen to head the ball into the net, marking Osimhen’s 26th goal for Nigeria and his seventh in World Cup qualifiers, breaking Yakubu Aiyegbeni’s previous record of six. Only Obafemi Martins has scored more World Cup qualifying goals in the Super Eagles’ history with ten.
In a dramatic turn of events, Zimbabwe equalized in the 90th minute. Tawanda Chirewa took advantage of poor Nigerian defense, breaking through without resistance and skillfully placing the ball past goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali. This draw leaves Nigeria ranking fourth in their qualifying group with seven points, trailing South Africa, Rwanda, and Benin, all with eight points. South Africa’s 2-0 victory over Benin has extended their lead to 13 points, leaving Nigeria six points adrift with just four matches remaining.
Only one team from each of the nine groups in the African qualification series can secure an automatic spot for the World Cup, while the four best-performing runner-ups will enter a playoff, leading to an intercontinental playoff opportunity.
The Super Eagles’ draw against Zimbabwe significantly impacts their chances of qualifying for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, leaving them in fourth place with only seven points. Despite Victor Osimhen’s record-breaking goal, the late equalizer by Zimbabwe highlights defensive vulnerabilities. With four matches left, Nigeria must improve their performance to secure a higher ranking in their group and hope to qualify through the playoffs.
Original Source: dailytrust.com
