Nigeria’s hopes of securing automatic qualification for the 2026 FIFA World Cup suffered another setback as the Super Eagles were held to a frustrating 1-1 draw by Zimbabwe in Uyo on Tuesday night.

  

The highly anticipated encounter saw Nigeria dominate possession and create multiple chances, but their inability to convert opportunities into goals ultimately cost them. Despite taking the lead in the second half, a lapse in concentration in stoppage time allowed Zimbabwe to snatch a valuable point.

  

Osimhen’s Goal Not Enough to Secure Victory

  

Nigeria took the lead in the 74th minute when Napoli striker Victor Osimhen connected with an Ola Aina cross, sending a powerful header past the Zimbabwean goalkeeper to break the deadlock.

  

For a moment, it seemed like the Super Eagles would secure all three points and boost their qualification hopes. However, a defensive lapse proved costly in the dying moments of the game.

  

Zimbabwe’s Tawanda Chirewa capitalized on Nigeria’s poor defensive organization in the 90th minute, slotting home the equalizer and silencing the home fans in Uyo. The goal left the Super Eagles stunned, as they once again dropped crucial points in the qualifiers.

  

Chelle Left Disappointed After Costly Draw

  

After the match, Super Eagles head coach Eric Chelle expressed his disappointment, lamenting his team’s inability to convert their dominance into victory.

  

“What can I say about the first half? Normally, we could have scored ten goals in the first half,” Chelle stated during the post-match press conference.

  

“We made some mistakes in the final third, missing our last technical skills, and Zimbabwe came to defend and disrupt the game.”

  

Despite the disappointing draw, Chelle commended his players for their attacking intent and possession-based football but admitted that the result was a tough pill to swallow.

  

“My players were the best on the pitch with possession football and fast attacking transitions,” he continued.

  

“I’m very disappointed for my players and for the country. We deserved to win, but this is football.”

  

Fatigue Played a Role in Nigeria’s Collapse

  

Chelle also suggested that fatigue may have contributed to Nigeria’s inability to close out the game, as the players struggled to maintain their intensity in the final minutes.

  

“I think in the last 10 minutes, it was hard for us because we did well in the first half with a lot of intensity,” he explained.

  

“Maybe the players were a little tired, and that gave Zimbabwe the opening they needed.”

  

Qualification Hopes Now Hanging by a Thread

  

The draw leaves Nigeria in fourth place in Group C with just seven points, six points behind leaders South Africa, who currently top the group with 13 points.

  

With only four matches left to play, the Super Eagles now face an uphill battle to secure automatic qualification for the World Cup.

  

Only the winners of each group will qualify directly for the tournament, while the second-placed teams will have a chance to progress through the intercontinental playoffs.

  

Given their current position, Nigeria must now focus on fighting for second place and keeping their playoff hopes alive.

  

The road to the World Cup is getting tougher, and with time running out, the Super Eagles must find answers quickly if they are to turn their fortunes around and secure a spot in the 2026 FIFA World Cup.