2026 World Cup Bump For Nigeria As Zimbabwe Pulls Draw

Nigeria and Zimbabwe played out a dramatic 1-1 draw in their 2026 FIFA World Cup Qualifier at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium in Uyo.

The highly competitive encounter saw late drama as Zimbabwe struck in the dying minutes to level the score after Nigeria had taken the lead.

The game started with both teams showing intent, creating several scoring chances. Zimbabwe initially dominated possession, controlling up to 70% of the ball in the early stages. However, Nigeria, led by their quick attackers—Ademola Lookman, Moses Simon, and Samuel Chukwueze—kept pressing for an opener. The first half ended goalless despite both sides coming close to scoring.

The breakthrough finally came in the 73rd minute when Victor Osimhen, the Napoli striker, found the back of the net with a well-placed header from an Ola Aina cross. The goal sent the home crowd into a frenzy, as Nigeria took a crucial lead in the tightly contested encounter.

Just as Nigeria looked set to claim all three points, Zimbabwe responded in the 90th minute. Tawanda Chirewa, who had been introduced as a substitute in the 79th minute, dribbled past a Nigerian defender before unleashing a powerful left-footed strike into the net. The goal silenced the home crowd and ensured Zimbabwe secured a valuable point on the road.

Nigeria suffered a setback when Osimhen was substituted in the 87th minute due to physical discomfort. He was replaced by Victor Boniface and received a standing ovation from the fans.

Earlier in the game, Zimbabwe had come close to scoring when Khama Billiat’s shot bounced off the crossbar in the 76th minute. The referee and his assistant, however, did not award the goal, much to the frustration of the visitors.

The match also saw its fair share of disciplinary actions, with Zimbabwe’s Washington Arubi and Marshall Munetsi both receiving yellow cards in quick succession.

With this result, Nigeria missed an opportunity to secure maximum points but remains hopeful of improving their qualification chances in the upcoming fixtures. Zimbabwe, on the other hand, will take confidence from their performance as they continue their World Cup qualification campaign.

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