The Super Eagles 2026 FIFA World Cup qualification dreams suffered a devastating setback as a stoppage-time equalizer from Zimbabwe snatched victory from Nigeria’s grasp in a 1-1 draw at the Godswill Akpabio Stadium, Uyo.
Victor Osimhen’s second-half goal seemed destined to seal all three points for Nigeria, but Zimbabwe’s Tawanda Chirewa struck in the 92nd minute to shatter the home crowd’s hopes and leave the Super Eagles teetering on the edge of elimination.
Match Recap: Super Eagles Fail to Capitalize on Dominance
Buoyed by a 2-0 win over Rwanda just days earlier, Nigeria came into this must-win encounter determined to revive their World Cup qualifying campaign. Head coach Eric Chelle kept faith in the same starting XI that triumphed in Kigali, and the Super Eagles dominated early proceedings.
Osimhen, in red-hot form, nearly opened the scoring in the 8th minute, forcing a stunning double save from Zimbabwe’s goalkeeper George Arubi. Moments later, Arubi denied Bright Osayi-Samuel after the full-back raced into the box, showcasing Zimbabwe’s resilience.
Zimbabwe grew into the game, and Knowledge Musona sent a warning shot when he burst past Ola Aina and hit the side netting in the 14th minute. Nigerian goalkeeper Victor Nwabali was called into action minutes later, rushing off his line to smother the ball at Khama Billiat’s feet.
Nigeria wasted a golden chance in the 31st minute when Moses Simon’s clever build-up play teed up Samuel Chukwueze, who blazed over the bar from close range. Ademola Lookman’s powerful shot in the 40th minute was heroically blocked by Garananga, keeping the game scoreless at halftime.
Osimhen Strikes, Chirewa Stuns
The breakthrough finally came in the 74th minute after sustained pressure from the Super Eagles. Tolu Arokodare, who had come on as a substitute, brilliantly held off his marker and laid off the ball to Ola Aina, whose pinpoint cross found Osimhen for a clinical header past Arubi. It was Osimhen’s 26th goal for Nigeria, and Uyo erupted in celebration.
Just two minutes later, Zimbabwe almost responded when Musona’s shot rattled the underside of the crossbar after Nwabali misjudged a cross. Nigeria missed a glorious opportunity to seal the win in the 84th minute when Wilfred Ndidi blazed over the bar after being played through by Simon.
With victory within reach, Chelle introduced Victor Boniface for Osimhen in the 87th minute. However, Zimbabwe had other plans. In the 92nd minute, Chirewa pounced on a pass down the left channel, outfoxed William Troost-Ekong, and coolly slotted past Nwabali to break Nigerian hearts.
FT in Uyo pic.twitter.com/Gux8S6x8jf
— 🇳🇬 Super Eagles (@NGSuperEagles) March 25, 2025What It Means for Nigeria’s World Cup Hopes
The draw leaves Nigeria in a precarious position. The Super Eagles remain stuck in fourth place with seven points, trailing South Africa, who moved five points clear at the top of Group C after a 2-0 win over Benin.
Zimbabwe, although still bottom with four points, will take heart from their fighting display, while Nigeria faces an uphill task to salvage their qualifying hopes with just two matches remaining.
Group C Standings (After Matchday 6)
- South Africa – 13 points
- Rwanda – 8 points
- Benin – 8 points
- Nigeria – 7 points
- Lesotho – 6 points
- Zimbabwe – 4 points
What’s Next?
Nigeria’s World Cup qualification journey hangs by a thread, and they must now win their remaining fixtures and hope for favorable results elsewhere to keep their hopes alive. Meanwhile, Zimbabwe will aim to build on their resilient performance and climb off the bottom of the table.
This was a night of heartbreak for Nigeria—a tale of attacking dominance and wasted chances undone by late Zimbabwe drama that leaves their World Cup dream in limbo.
