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The Super Eagles were unable to make the most of home advantage against bottom-of-the-table Zimbabwe in a massive blow for their World Cup hopes
Nigeria's chances of reaching the 2026 FIFA World Cup now hang by a thread after a disappointing 1-1 draw against minnows Zimbabwe.
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The draw leaves Nigeria with only seven points from their opening six matches in World Cup qualifying, with the Super Eagles now six points behind top of the table South Africa.
How it happened
The Super Eagles started very much on the front foot as expected, with Victor Osimhen testing Zimbabwe’s Washington Arubi inside the opening five minutes.
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However, things cooled down after the frantic opening minutes with Zimbabwe growing into the game after the opening 10 minutes.
Despite dominating possession in the opening 45 minutes, Nigeria found it difficult to create clear-cut openings as the Warriors mounted a solid defense.
Nigeria had a shout for a penalty as the first half drew to a close after Osimhen went down in the box, but the referee waved appeals from the Galatasaray striker and the Uyo crowd away, forcing the teams to go into the break level at 0-0.
The second half threatened to be more of the same as Zimbabwe remained determined to spoil Nigeria’s World Cup party.
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With the match looking destined for a draw, the introduction of Genk forward Tolu Arokodare changed things and allowed Nigeria to break down the opponent’s staunch defense.
It was Arokodare’s brilliant hold up play that allowed Ola Aina place the perfect cross for Osimhen to head Nigeria in front.
Zimbabwe went close to an equaliser when Terrence Dzvukamanja somehow managed to hit the crossbar with the goal gaping.
The Super Eagles had their own chances to increase their slim lead but Wilfred Ndidi could not convert from a guilt edged opportunity.
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Nigeria were made to rue the missed chance as Zimbabwe scored a shock equaliser one minute into extra time Tawanda Chirewa dribbled into the box before toe-poking past Stanley Nwabali to level the scores at 1-1.
Despite chances at both ends, neither side was able to add to the score resulting in a disappointing 1-1 draw for Nigeria.
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