Oluwatosin Enesi
Victor Osimhen’s powerful header in the 74th minute was cancelled out by a late strike from Zimbabwe’s Tawanda Chiwenda, denying Nigeria a crucial victory.
The draw leaves the Eagles fourth in Group C with just seven points from six matches. Coach Eric Chelle’s starting lineup remained unchanged from their 2-0 win over Rwanda on Friday, with Osimhen retaining his position alongside Ademola Lookman, Samuel Chukwueze, and Moses Simon.
Nigeria dominated the match, with Washington Arubi, the Zimbabwean goalkeeper, producing impressive saves to keep the Super Eagles at bay. Osimhen’s header in the 74th minute seemed to have sealed the win for Nigeria, but Chiwenda’s late equalizer stunned the home crowd.
In other Group C matches, South Africa defeated Benin Republic 2-0, while Rwanda drew 1-1 with Lesotho. The results leave South Africa top of the group with 13 points, five clear of second-placed Benin [6).
The Super Eagles’ chances of qualifying for the 2026 World Cup now hang in the balance, but they can still qualify through the playoff route if they win their remaining matches and other results go in their favor.
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