Nigeria’s wastefulness in front of goal proved costly as they were held to a 1-1 draw by Zimbabwe in a 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifier at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium on Tuesday, March 25.
Eric Chelle’s side appeared to be heading for back-to-back wins when Victor Osimhen’s header put them in front in the 74th minute. However, substitute Tawanda Chirewa struck in the 90th minute to snatch a point for the Warriors.
The result leaves the Super Eagles in fourth place in Group C with seven points, one behind second-placed Rwanda. Zimbabwe, still searching for their first victory in the qualifiers, remain at the bottom with four points.
Nigeria had been looking to build on their 2-0 win over Rwanda on March 21, while Zimbabwe had drawn 2-2 with Benin a day earlier.
Wasted Chances in a Lively First Half
The Super Eagles started brightly, with Moses Simon forcing an early save from Washington Arubi in the third minute. Osimhen had two quick chances in the eighth minute but was denied by the Zimbabwean goalkeeper, who was in inspired form.
Bright Osayi-Samuel also saw a shot kept out by Arubi in the 10th minute before Zimbabwe created their first real opening in the 14th minute, when Walter Musona outpaced Nigeria’s defense but fired just wide.
Ademola Lookman missed a glorious chance two minutes later, finding only the side-netting from inside the box, while Stanley Nwabali had to be alert in the 19th minute to deny Khama Billiat in a one-on-one situation.
The pace of the game slowed as the half progressed, and both teams went into the break still locked at 0-0.
Osimhen Breaks the Deadlock, but Nigeria Fail to Hold On
Nigeria resumed with intent, and Alex Iwobi missed a good chance in the 51st minute, failing to direct Lookman’s cross on target. Lookman himself squandered another opportunity on the hour mark, dribbling past defenders before shooting narrowly wide.
Tolu Arokodare then tested Arubi with a powerful header in the 65th minute, but Nigeria’s persistence finally paid off in the 74th minute. Arokodare held up the ball and laid it off for Ola Aina, whose precise cross found Osimhen, and the Napoli striker made no mistake with a powerful header.
Wilfred Ndidi had a golden opportunity to seal the win in the 84th minute, but his shot flew high and wide after he was played through on goal.
That miss proved costly as Zimbabwe punished Nigeria’s defensive lapse in the final minute, with Chirewa slotting home to rescue a crucial point for the Warriors.
Nigeria will now have to regroup ahead of their next set of World Cup qualifiers in September, as they continue their quest for a spot at the 2026 tournament.
