By Ifeanyi Uwagwu/ Ebi Nekietien
The Super Eagles dropped two crucial points against bottom-placed Zimbabwe in the 2026 World Cup qualifiers, settling for a frustrating 1-1 draw in Uyo.
Despite coming into the game with momentum from their victory over Rwanda last Friday, the Eagles were wasteful in front of goal, missing several gilt-edged opportunities in the first half. They created a total of seven chances but failed to convert, as the visitors sat deep, absorbing the pressure.
The pattern continued in the second half, with Alex Iwobi squandering a golden opportunity in the 50th minute after being set up by Moses Simon’s cut-back. Ten minutes later, reigning African Footballer of the Year, Ademola Lookman, could only find the side netting after being played through.
With tension rising in the Goodswill Akpabio Stadium, Coach Eric Chelle made a bold change, withdrawing the ineffective Samuel Chukwueze for towering striker Tolu Arokodare, who had made his debut against Rwanda. The substitution almost paid off immediately, but Arokodare directed his header straight at the Zimbabwean goalkeeper. However, nine minutes later, he played a pivotal role in Nigeria’s breakthrough.
Displaying impressive hold-up play inside the box, Arokodare laid the ball off to left-back Ola Aina, whose pinpoint cross found Victor Osimhen, who headed home his third goal in as many games.
Zimbabwe responded swiftly, nearly equalising three minutes later when a defensive lapse saw them hit the post. Stanley Nwabali failed to collect the ball under pressure, allowing an onrushing attacker to threaten, but Calvin Bassey reacted quickly to clear the danger.
The Eagles had a chance to seal the victory in the 83rd minute, but Wilfred Ndidi fired waywardly from a tight angle inside the box. That miss proved costly, as Zimbabwe snatched a dramatic equaliser in stoppage time. Tawanda Tchirewa latched onto a sweeping move and slipped the ball past the onrushing Nwabali to secure a share of the spoils.
The result leaves Nigeria in fourth place with seven points, six behind group leaders South Africa, who defeated Benin Republic 2-0. Meanwhile, Rwanda were held to a 1-1 draw by Lesotho.
