Zimbabwe struck late to secure a dramatic 1-1 draw against the Super Eagles of Nigeria, dealing a major blow to the three-time African champions’ hopes of qualifying for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Fresh off a 2-0 victory over Rwanda in Kigali, Nigeria aimed to build momentum on their road to the global tournament. From the outset, the Super Eagles dominated possession and created multiple scoring opportunities, but a combination of resolute Zimbabwean defending and wasteful finishing kept the game goalless.
Their persistence finally paid off in the 74th minute when Victor Osimhen connected with a pinpoint low cross from Ola Aina, guiding a well-placed header into the far post to send the home fans into jubilation. Moments later, Wilfred Ndidi had a golden opportunity to extend Nigeria’s lead but failed to capitalize when through on goal—a miss that proved costly.
Zimbabwe, who had threatened sporadically on the counterattack, made their breakthrough in the dying moments. A defensive lapse allowed Tawanda Chirewa to slot past Stanley Nwabali at his near post in the 90th minute, silencing the home crowd and leaving Nigeria’s qualification hopes hanging by a thread.
With the draw, Nigeria sits in fourth place with seven points, trailing Benin Republic and Lesotho by one point. Meanwhile, South Africa tightened their grip on Group C with a 2-0 victory over Benin Republic. The Bafana Bafana now top the table with 13 points from six games, five points ahead of second-placed Rwanda.
Only the group winners earn an automatic World Cup berth, while the four best runners-up advance to a play-off for a chance at an intercontinental slot.
