Nigeria’s journey to the 2026 FIFA World Cup took a hit as the Super Eagles settled for a 1-1 draw against Zimbabwe at the Godswill Akpabio Stadium in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State.
The result leaves the Super Eagles struggling in the African qualification race, where only nine teams will secure automatic spots.
The match saw Nigeria dominate possession but struggle to convert chances.
Their breakthrough came in the 74th minute when Victor Osimhen connected with a low cross from Moses Simon to put the Super Eagles ahead, News About Nigeria reports.
However, defensive errors proved costly again, as Zimbabwe equalized in the 90th minute through Tawanda Chirewa, who fired past goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali to silence the home crowd.
The 2026 FIFA World Cup will be held in the United States, Canada, and Mexico from June 8 to July 3, with the expanded format allowing 48 teams instead of the previous 32.
In the African qualifiers, 54 nations are competing across nine groups, with the winners of each group earning direct qualification.
Four of the best second-placed teams will enter a playoff, where one will advance to the intercontinental playoff round.
Nigeria, placed in Group C, faces tough competition from South Africa, Rwanda, Zimbabwe, Benin, and Lesotho.
The Super Eagles had earlier secured a 2-0 win over Rwanda but failed to build momentum against Zimbabwe.
With the next round of qualifiers set for June 2025, Nigeria must regain form to avoid missing the World Cup for the second consecutive time, having failed to qualify for the 2022 edition in Qatar.
Other top African teams, including Senegal, Morocco, Egypt, and Algeria, are also battling for spots in the tournament, which will feature more teams from Africa than ever before.
