Nigeria's chances of qualifying for the World Cup faced yet another obstacle on Tuesday when the Super Eagles were tied 1-1 with Zimbabwe at the Godswill Akpabio Stadium in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State.
Straight off a convincing 2-0 win against Rwanda, Nigeria entered the match aiming to gain further traction in their qualifying campaign.
Despite controlling possession and generating early opportunities, Eric Chelle’s team found it difficult to penetrate the stubborn Zimbabwean defense.
After relentless pressure, the breakthrough finally arrived in the 74th minute.
Victor Osimhen, always the opportunist, skillfully headed in a low cross from Moses Simon, putting Nigeria ahead.
Nevertheless, the Super Eagles were unable to maintain their lead.
Almost conceding due to a momentary loss of focus at the defense line, they were fortunate as Zimbabwe struck the crossbar. Eventually, they equalized in the 90th minute.
Tawanda Chirewa took advantage of sloppy defense to shoot past Stanley Nwabali at the near post, thus quieting the supporters at home.
Nigeria had a last-gasp opportunity to claim the win, but Wilfred Ndidi couldn’t capitalize on a golden chance, resulting in the Super Eagles feeling deflated as they once more lost crucial points.
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