Uyo, Nigeria – Nigeria’s 2026 FIFA World Cup qualification campaign suffered another setback as the Super Eagles were held to a frustrating 1-1 draw by Zimbabwe at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium on Tuesday evening.
Napoli striker Victor Osimhen broke the deadlock in the 74th minute with a powerful header from Ola Aina’s pinpoint cross, sending the home crowd into raptures. However, Zimbabwe’s Tawanda Chirewa silenced the stadium with a dramatic 90th-minute equalizer, snatching a crucial point for the visitors.
The result leaves Nigeria languishing in fourth place in Group C with just seven points from six matches – six points behind group leaders South Africa, who maintained their strong position with a 2-0 victory over Benin.
With only four matches remaining in the qualifiers, the three-time African champions face an uphill battle to secure one of the group’s top two spots that guarantee automatic qualification for the 2026 World Cup in North America.
- Nigeria’s qualification hopes hanging by a thread
- Osimhen continues scoring form but defense falters late
- Zimbabwe earn valuable away point in tough group
The Super Eagles will return to action in September with must-win encounters against Rwanda at home and group leaders South Africa away.
