WCQ: Super Eagles slips to a disappointing draw against Zimbabwe

A missed opportunity at the qualifiers for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, as the Super Eagles of Nigeria were held to a 1-1 draw by Zimbabwe at the Godswill Akpabio Stadium, Uyo.

A last-minute goal from Zimbabwe forward, Tawanda Chirewa, denied the home side the chance of getting all three points.

Nigeria started the game as the better side, asking early questions, as they looked to hit the ground running.

Victor Osimhen half-volleyed a ball but the Zimbabwe goalkeeper, Washington Arubi, did well to keep the ball out. The goalkeeper once a again denied Osimhen with a fine diving save from the resulting corner.

Nigeria almost got the opener in the 31st minute, when Moses Simon’s cut back to Samuel Chukwueze missed by a slim distance.

Ademola Lookman came close again for the Super Eagles few minutes later, but a crucial block from the visitors defenders denied the Atalanta forward.

The first half ended in stalement as the resilient Zimbabwean side stood solid against the attacking pressure from Nigeria.

Following the restart of the second interval, the home side missed several chances as Simon, Alex Iwobi and Ola Aina could not find their target man.

The Super Eagles kept pilling the pressure on the visiting side, in search of the opener. A fine run from Simon and combination with Lookman failed to find Osimhen as the defenders hacked the pass away.

Eric Chelle side eventually broke the deadlock courtesy of a flying header from star striker, Osimhen. The Galatasaray forward perfectly met Aina’s cross to give Nigeria the lead.

Zimbabwe almost responded immediately, only to be denied by the woodwork. The Harare boys surged forward from the left side, sent a forward pass which was blocked by Stanley Nwabali. However, the rebound could only hit the top bar as Calvin Bassey cleared the ball away.

The home side later paid the price for their missed chances, with Zimbabwe getting the leveller in the 90th minute.

Nigeria moves back to fourth place, six points behind leaders, South Africa, who defeated Benin Republic by two goals. Thus, the chance of Chelle’s boys making it to the World Cup seem very slim, with four games remaining.

Meanwhile, only the nine group winners will qualify for the expanded 48-team tournament next year.

The four best second-placed sides will play off for a spot at an intercontinental tournament which will decide the final spots for the World Cup.