Nigeria’s qualification hopes for the 2026 FIFA World Cup took a dent after they were held to a 1-1 draw by Zimbabwe, despite Victor Osimhen’s late equaliser on Wednesday, MySportDab Reports
The Super Eagles stay bottom of Group C, six points adrift of leaders South Africa and just four games to play.
The Super Eagles had Nigeria’s star striker, Victor Osimhen, finally break the deadlock, eventually, in the second half only for substitute Tawanda Chirewa to snatch a late equalizer that denied the Super Eagles a much-needed victory.
Nigeria applied early pressure in the game, creating chances. Osimhen, who had a remarkable loan spell at Galatasaray, had two golden openings before 10 minutes were up. His strike, again saved, and the resulting corner, which led to his powerful header being saved by the Zimbabwean goalkeeper.
Bright Osayi-Samuel was next to give Zimbabwe’s defence a scare, running through on goal but being thwarted at the last moment. Though dominant, Nigeria could not turn its pressure into goals.
Zimbabwe was mostly on the defensive, but it did show signs of danger on the counterattack. Walter Musona almost had it in the 15th minute when he fired into the side netting. Khama Billiat was also a danger, eventually forcing Stanley Nwabali to come out quickly and smother the ball at his feet.
Nigeria’s best chance in the first half came when Alex Iwobi found Moses Simon in an outbreak. Nantes’s winger siphoned the ball to Samuel Chukwueze, whose first-time shot dragged past the post. Osimhen seemed to be fouled in the box right before halftime, but the referee waved play on, adding to Nigeria’s frustration.
Nigeria continued with their attacking thrust into the second half. Simon continued to be the biggest threat, sending the side-footed cross teasingly through the box in the 54th minute, which Osimhen was unable to connect with. Moments later Simon’s dazzling footwork created an opening for Lookman, but the Atalanta forward was crowded out before he could get a shot away.
Coach Eric Chelle had added more firepower, introducing Tolu Arokodare for Chukwueze immediately after the hour mark. The gamble almost paid off when Arokodare had two opportunities to head home, but one was saved and one went wide.
Nigeria finally managed to break the deadlock in the 73rd minute. Ola Aina provided a pinpoint cross from the right, and Osimhen outjumped all of the defenders to glance a header into the net. The goal was Osimhen’s 26th for Nigeria and his seventh in World Cup qualifiers, breaking Yakubu Aiyegbeni’s record.
As Rwanda drew at home to Lesotho, Nigeria took temporary charge of Group C ahead of their final match. But they switched off late in the match, letting Zimbabwe back into a contest Portugal ws fortunate not to have lost. Chirewa seized in the dying moments, easing beyond the Nigerian defence before placing past Nwabali to earn the hosts a point.
Nigeria now sits on seven points behind South Africa (13 points), Rwanda (8 points) and Benin (8 points) after the draw. Before them South Africa’s 2-0 win over Benin had extended their lead at the top and left the Super Eagles in the lurch with four qualifiers left to play.
The Super Eagles of Nigeria will however have to be close to perfect in their subsequent fixtures if they are to qualify for the 2026 World Cup.
