By Sports Correspondent
In a shocking turn of events, Zimbabwe’s Warriors secured a hard-fought 1-1 draw against Nigeria’s Super Eagles in their 2026 World Cup qualifier match. The encounter, played at the Godswill Akpabiga International Stadium, saw Nigeria dominate proceedings, only to be denied all three points by a late equalizer from substitute Tawanda Chirewa.
The Super Eagles, led by coach Eric Chelle, started the match on the front foot, with Victor Osimhen testing Zimbabwean goalkeeper Washington Arbi in the 7th minute. Nigeria continued to press, with Osimhen and Ademola Lookman squandering opportunities to take the lead.
Despite being on the back foot, Zimbabwe showed resilience and determination. Walter Musona’s pacey run in the 14th minute almost caught the Nigerian defense off guard, while Khama Billiat’s effort in the 19th minute was denied by the opposition’s goalkeeper.
Nigeria’s persistence finally paid off in the 74th minute when Osimhen headed home the opener. The goal seemed to have sealed the win for the Super Eagles, but Zimbabwe had other plans. In the 90th minute, substitute Tawanda Chirewa capitalized on a momentary lapse in the Nigerian defense, slotting home the equalizer.
The goal sparked wild celebrations among the Zimbabwean players and fans, who had traveled to support their team. Zimbabwe’s coach, Michael Nees, praised his team’s determination and spirit. “We showed great character and resilience to come back from a goal down. This result is a testament to the team’s hard work and dedication.”
The draw leaves Nigeria in fourth place in Group C with seven points, while Zimbabwe remains at the bottom with four points. Despite the setback, Nigeria’s coach, Eric Chelle, remained optimistic about his team’s chances. “We dominated the game, but couldn’t capitalize on our chances. We’ll learn from this and move forward.”
The result marks a significant milestone for Zimbabwean football, with the team showing they can compete against top-tier opposition. As the 2026 World Cup qualifiers continue, Zimbabwe will look to build on this result and push for a spot in the prestigious tournament.