Nigeria’s hopes of making it to the 2026 FIFA World Cup were shockingly dimmed as Zimbabwe scored a late equalizer to clinch a 1-1 draw against them on their soil.
Following their 2-0 victory over Rwanda in Kigali on Friday, the Super Eagles sought to increase their momentum in their pursuit of a spot at the world. Nigeria attacked early on and created several chances, but couldn’t get a goal as a result of poor finishing.
In the 74th minute, Nigeria’s constant pressure paid off when Victor Osimhen stepped up to meet a low cross from Ola Aina with a header inside the far post, throwing the home fans into a frenzy.
Moments later, the Super Eagles came very close to doubling their lead, but Wilfred Ndidi missed the opportunity to score after being cleared through on goal.
Zimbabwe, who had threatened with intermittent counterattacks, found their equalizer at the end, thus the miss was costly.
In the 90th minute, Tawanda Chirewa silenced the home fans and put Super Eagles’ chances of qualifying in jeopardy by slotting past Stanley Nwabali at his near post due to a defensive blunder.
With only one victory in their past five qualifying matches, Nigeria is currently in fourth place in Group C, and their chances of qualifying for the World Cup are slim.
In the African Qualifiers for the FIFA World Cup, South Africa’s Bafana Bafana defeated Benin 2-0 and on the road to maintain their lead in Group C.
-Deeprows Sports
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