Nigeria’s Super Eagles were held to a frustrating 1-1 draw by Zimbabwe’s Warriors in a tense World Cup Group C qualifier at the Godswill Akpabio Stadium on Tuesday.
Victor Osimhen appeared to have secured victory for Nigeria with a well-placed header in the 73rd minute, rising to meet Ola Aina’s precise cross after a build-up involving Tolu Arokodare. The goal seemed to put the home side in control of the match, which was played before a packed crowd at the ‘nest of champions’.
However, Zimbabwe’s Tawanda Chirewa had other plans. In the 90th minute, he slipped past Nigerian defenders and toe-poked the ball under goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali, snatching a crucial equaliser for the visitors.
The match was marked by Nigeria’s dominance in possession and missed opportunities. Wilfred Ndidi notably squandered a clear chance in the 83rd minute, skewing his shot wide after being set up by Moses Simon. Earlier, Zimbabwe came close to equalizing when Walter Musona’s effort struck the underside of the crossbar following a defensive mix-up.
The draw leaves Nigeria in third place in Group C, missing an opportunity to climb to the second position. The result further complicates the Super Eagles’ World Cup qualifying campaign.
Nigeria will look to bounce back in their next fixtures, hosting Rwanda on September 1 at the same Godswill Akpabio Stadium, before travelling to face group leaders South Africa on September 8.
The match highlighted Nigeria’s ongoing struggles in the qualification process, with the team failing to capitalise on their numerous scoring opportunities and ultimately settling for a point that feels more like a loss.
Head coach Jose Peseiro will need to address the team’s finishing and defensive lapses as they continue their quest to secure a spot in the upcoming World Cup tournament.
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