The chances of the Super Eagles of Nigeria to qualify for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, yesterday suffered a setback as the team were forced to a 1-1 draw by visiting Zimbabwan National team in Uyo,AkwA Ibom state.
The Super Eagles were cruising to a 1-0 lead that could have pushed them to the a second place in Group C after Victor Osimhen’s fantastic header had broken the deadlock for them in the 74th minute.
Laxity suddenly crept in while they were playing for time. Zimbabwe took advantage as Tawanda Chirewa latched on a loose ball by Ekong and scored a 90th-minute goal that tumbled Nigeria from a possible second position to fourth again.
Just before Zimbabwe’s Tawanda Chirewa scored the equaliser, Lesotho had offered a helping hand levelling at 1-1 in the corresponding match with Rwanda.
South Africa may have taken a clear break from the field of six teams in the Group C of the World Cup qualifying series after beating Benin Republic 2-0 away from home while the Super Eagles were frustrated with a 1-1 draw at home in the duel with Zimbabwe.
Barring the decision of FIFA regarding their fielding of an ineligible player in a matchday 5 duel with Lesotho last week, South Africa have amassed 13 points nearly twice the seven that the Super Eagles have been able to gather.
Nigeria now have to look forward to the next match, still at home, against Rwanda in August. At that time, Lesotho will be playing their home match against Bafana Bafana in South Africa.
