Nigeria's Super Eagles were held to a frustrating 1-1 draw by Zimbabwe in their 2026 World Cup qualifier, despite a second-half header from Victor Osimhen. The result hampers Nigeria's chances of securing a spot at the tournament, leaving them with just two wins in the campaign.
Match Overview
Coming off a 2-0 victory over Rwanda, the Super Eagles maintained the same starting XI. Stanley Nwabali started in goal, supported by a defensive lineup featuring Ola Aina, Bright Osayi-Samuel, Calvin Bassey, and William Troost-Ekong. The midfield trio of Wilfred Ndidi, Alex Iwobi, and Samuel Chukwueze controlled the game, while Moses Simon and Ademola Lookman flanked Osimhen in attack.
First-Half Action
Nigeria began the match aggressively, with Osimhen getting two early chances within the opening 10 minutes. His first shot was saved, while his powerful header from a corner was also stopped.
Osayi-Samuel found himself in a one-on-one situation with Zimbabwe's goalkeeper but failed to convert. Despite Nigeria's dominance, Zimbabwe remained compact and posed a counterattacking threat.
In the 15th minute, Walter Musona raced forward and fired a shot that hit the side netting. Nigeria responded moments later, with Lookman's long-range effort going just over the crossbar.
Moses Simon was a constant menace on the left flank but struggled with decision-making, often opting to shoot when a pass to Osimhen seemed the better option.
Zimbabwe had another dangerous moment in the 19th minute when Nwabali had to rush off his line to deny Khama Billiat following a well-timed through ball.
Nigeria's best chance of the half came in the 30th minute when Iwobi led a counterattack and squared the ball to Chukwueze, whose first-time effort narrowly missed the target.
Shortly before halftime, Osimhen appeared to be fouled in the penalty area, but the referee waved play on. Lookman then had a close-range shot blocked, and Iwobi fired just over the bar before the halftime whistle.
At the break, all three Group C matches remained goalless, with Benin vs. South Africa and Rwanda vs. Lesotho both at 0-0.
Second-Half Drama
Nigeria started the second half strongly, creating three quick chances. However, Osimhen, Simon, Lookman, and Iwobi all failed to convert from promising positions.
Simon, Nigeria's most dangerous player on the night, whipped in a dangerous cross in the 54th minute, but Osimhen couldn't make contact. Moments later, Lookman was denied after a dazzling dribble from Simon.
Seeking a breakthrough, coach Eric Chelle introduced Tolu Arokodare for Chukwueze just after the hour mark. Nigeria continued pressing, with Simon and Arokodare missing golden opportunities.
Osimhen Breaks the Deadlock
With 17 minutes remaining, Nigeria finally found the net. Simon delivered a lofted pass to Arokodare, who flicked it into Aina's path. The Nottingham Forest defender whipped in a pinpoint cross, and Osimhen powered a header past Zimbabwe's goalkeeper.
The goal marked Osimhen's 26th for Nigeria and his seventh in World Cup qualifying, surpassing Yakubu Aiyegbeni's record of six. He now trails only Obafemi Martins, who holds the record with 10 World Cup qualifying goals for Nigeria.
Late Equalizer Stuns Super Eagles
Despite taking the lead, Nigeria failed to hold on. A defensive lapse in the dying minutes allowed Zimbabwe to snatch a late equalizer, leaving the Super Eagles frustrated and disappointed.
With this result, Nigeria's path to the 2026 World Cup remains uncertain, as they struggle to secure the points needed to lead the group.
What's Next?
The Super Eagles must regroup quickly for their next qualifier, knowing that anything less than a win could put their World Cup dreams in serious jeopardy.
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