Nigeria’s 2026 FIFA World Cup qualification campaign suffered a major setback as Tawanda Chirewa’s last-minute goal secured a 1-1 draw for Zimbabwe, leaving the Super Eagles trailing behind Group C leaders South Africa.
A diving header from Victor Osimhen in the 74th minute had put Nigeria on course for a crucial victory at the Godswill Akpabio Stadium in Uyo, but Chirewa stunned the home crowd in the 90th minute, poking the ball past Stanley Nwabali to snatch a point for Zimbabwe.
Nigeria Slips Further Behind in Group C
With six matches played in the 10-game campaign, Nigeria has now fallen six points behind group leaders South Africa, who defeated Benin 2-0 courtesy of goals from Lyle Foster and Jayden Adams.
The Super Eagles sit fourth in the standings with six points, trailing Rwanda (7 points) and Benin (7 points), while South Africa leads with 12 points.
Only the group winners will secure an automatic World Cup ticket, while the four best second-placed teams will enter a playoff for an intercontinental spot.
Osimhen’s Goal Not Enough for Super Eagles
Under pressure to take maximum points after failing to win their first four qualifiers, Nigeria started strongly against Zimbabwe, forcing goalkeeper Washington Arubi into six saves in the opening 10 minutes.
Osimhen, who scored twice in Nigeria’s 2-0 victory over Rwanda on Friday, was once again at the heart of the attack.
He had an early volley tipped behind and saw a powerful header spectacularly saved from the resulting corner.
Despite Alex Iwobi and substitute Tolu Arokodare going close, it was Osimhen who finally broke the deadlock in the 74th minute, expertly heading home a cross from Ola Aina.
However, Zimbabwe nearly responded immediately when Nwabali failed to claim a cross, allowing Knowledge Musona to fire against the crossbar.
Then, in the 90th minute, Chirewa silenced the Uyo crowd, keeping his composure to slot a low finish under Nwabali, severely denting Nigeria’s qualification hopes.
What Next for Nigeria?
With only four games left to rescue their campaign, Nigeria now needs other results to go their way to remain in contention for a place at the 2026 World Cup in the United States, Mexico, and Canada.
The Super Eagles will return to action in September, where they face a must-win fixture against South Africa, knowing that anything less than victory could end their World Cup dream.
