Nigeria Held to a 1-1 Draw as Zimbabwe Snatch Late Equalizer

The West Africans seemed poised for a significant victory, but the Warriors snatched a late equalizer to deny them the win.

Nigeria and Zimbabwe played to a 1-1 draw in their 2026 World Cup qualifier at the Godswill Akpabio Stadium in Uyo on Tuesday.

Victor Osimhen gave the Super Eagles the lead, but Tawanda Chirewa struck late in the second half to salvage a point for Zimbabwe and prevent Nigeria from securing their second win in the qualifiers.

The Warriors nearly stunned Nigeria early on, with Marshall Munetsi delivering a dangerous cross in the fifth minute. Walter Musonda was well-placed to finish past Stanley Nwabali, but an offside flag saved the hosts.

After surviving the early scare, Nigeria grew into the game and almost took the lead in the ninth minute, only to be denied by a superb one-handed save from Zimbabwe’s goalkeeper, Washington Arubi, who stopped Osimhen’s effort.

Moses Simon was a constant threat, troubling Zimbabwe’s defense. In the 17th minute, his shot hit the side netting after an impressive solo run. He later provided a great pass to Samuel Chukwueze in the 31st minute, but the AC Milan forward squandered a close-range opportunity.

Nigeria continued to press, but their finishing let them down. Alex Iwobi missed a clear chance in the 51st minute after being set up by Simon. Then, in the 59th minute, Arubi made another crucial save to tip over a header from substitute Toluwalase Arokodare.

Arokodare wasted another golden chance in the 67th minute, heading wide after Simon found him in the box, much to the frustration of the coaching staff.

Nigeria finally broke through in the 74th minute when Osimhen found the net at the far post, breaking Arubi’s resistance after multiple saves.

However, the Super Eagles were stunned in stoppage time as Chirewa capitalized on a defensive lapse to slot past Nwabali and snatch a dramatic equalizer for Zimbabwe, leaving Nigerian fans disappointed.