Zimbabwe Warriors Stun Nigeria in Last Minute to Draw 1-1 in World Cup Qualifier

Uyo, Nigeria – In a thrilling World Cup qualifier match, the Zimbabwe Warriors pulled off a dramatic last-minute equalizer to hold Nigeria’s Super Eagles to a 1-1 draw at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium.

Match Highlights

Nigeria appeared to have secured victory when star striker Victor Osimhen broke the deadlock in the 74th minute. However, Zimbabwe’s rising talent Tawanda Chirewa, currently on loan at Huddersfield, stunned the home crowd with a stoppage-time equalizer.

The result continues Zimbabwe’s impressive performances against Nigeria, mirroring their 1-1 draw in the first-leg encounter in November 2023 in Huye, Rwanda. In that match, Walter Musona scored for Zimbabwe while Kelechi Iheanacho netted Nigeria’s equalizer.

Group Standings Implications

After six rounds of the 10-match group campaign, Nigeria find themselves in a precarious position, slipping six points behind group leaders South Africa. The Bafana Bafana secured a convincing 2-0 away win against Benin through goals from Burnley’s Lyle Foster and Jayden Adams.

The Super Eagles, who missed out on the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, currently sit fourth in the group – one point behind both Rwanda and Benin.

Qualification Scenario

With the 2026 World Cup expanding to 48 teams, only the nine group winners will qualify directly for the tournament in the United States, Mexico and Canada. The four best second-placed teams will enter a playoff for a spot at an intercontinental tournament that will decide the final qualification spots.

Zimbabwe’s dramatic point keeps their qualification hopes alive while dealing a significant blow to Nigeria’s ambitions of returning to football’s biggest stage.

This article summarizes an original report. For complete details and analysis, read the full story on Nehanda Radio.