Sports Recorder | By Solomon OKPO
Nigeria’s hopes of qualifying for the 2026 FIFA World Cup suffered another setback after the Super Eagles were held to a disappointing 1-1 draw by Zimbabwe at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium, Uyo.
Victor Osimhen had put Nigeria ahead in the 74th minute, sparking hopes of a crucial victory, but Tawanda Chirewa’s 90th-minute equalizer silenced the home crowd and dashed the Eagles’ ambitions of securing all three points.
With this result, Nigeria now sits in fourth place in Group C, trailing group leaders South Africa, who secured a commanding 2-0 win over Benin Republic to reach 13 points. In the other group fixture, Rwanda and Lesotho played out a 1-1 draw.
The draw leaves Nigeria’s qualification hopes in serious jeopardy, with only four matches remaining in the campaign. The Super Eagles must now stage a strong comeback when they resume qualifiers in September to keep their World Cup dreams alive.
The crucial match in Uyo saw the presence of top dignitaries, including Akwa Ibom State Governor Pastor Umo Eno, Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, Bayelsa State Governor Senator Douye Diri, Labour Party Presidential Candidate Peter Obi, Chairman of the National Sports Commission Alhaji Shehu Dikko, Director General of the National Sports Commission Bukola Olapade, and Chairman of the Nigerian Football Federation Alhaji Ibrahim Gusau.
Nigeria now faces an uphill battle as they strive to reclaim their World Cup qualification chances, with fans and football stakeholders calling for urgent improvements ahead of the next round of matches.
