By TONY OKAFOR, AWKA
Zimbabwe held Nigeria to a 1-1 draw yesterday in a 2026 World Cup qualifier, dealing a significant blow to the Super Eagles’ chances of reaching the competition.
Victor Osimhen scored in the 74th minute, but Zimbabwe equalized in the 90th minute, dashing Nigeria’s hopes.
Following a 2-0 win over Rwanda on Friday, the Super Eagles were optimistic about reviving their World Cup dreams after a disappointing start to the qualification campaign.
At the Godswill Akpabio Stadium in Akwa Ibom, Nigeria created several scoring opportunities but were thwarted by Zimbabwe’s resilient defence and their own wastefulness.
Despite intensifying their attack, Nigeria struggled to break down the Zimbabwean defence.
However, Osimhen finally scored in the 74th minute, connecting with Simon Moses’ low cross to nod home at the far post and give Nigeria a 1-0 lead.
Nigeria will now have to rely heavily on mathematical calculations and permutations to qualify for the World Cup.
