Talk and do: Zimbabwe star punishes Super Eagles after boasting before the match
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Tawanda Chirewa scored for Zimbabwe against Nigeria || Image credit: Imago

Talk and do: Zimbabwe star punishes Super Eagles after boasting before the match

Faruq Ibrahim 23:47 - 25.03.2025

Zimbabwe star backed his talk with action to set Super Eagles World Cup dreams off course.

The Super Eagles were shocked by Zimbabwe in Uyo earlier today. They conceded a late equaliser, which dampened their chances of qualifying for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

Victor Osimhen gave Nigeria the opener in the 74th minute, and with only 16 minutes to go, Nigeria felt they had clinched the victory before Huddersfield Town winger Tawanda Chirewa earned Michael Nees's side a point with a well-taken equaliser. 

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Chirewa downs Nigeria

Eric Chelle's side were riding high on confidence after beating Rwanda at the Amahoro Stadium and were expected to collect maximum points against the Warriors at the Godswill Akpabio Stadium.

Despite their dominance, Nigeria would not score until the fourth quarter of the match, when Osimhen's diving header connected with a sumptuous delivery from Ola Aina. 

Zimbabwe had the last laugh, however, as 21-year-old Chirewa ghosted past William Troost-Ekong, before side-footing home to beat Stanley Nwanbali and hand his team the equaliser on the 90th-minute mark.

Chirewa warned Nigeria 

Set to face the daunting task of facing a top-five offensive line-up in the world—according to his coach—Chirewa was unperturbed, stating that they did not fear the Super Eagles. 

“I am just looking at recovery and going again on Tuesday against Nigeria, which is a very good team,” Chirewa said. “A lot of players play in England and Europe.

“Obviously, I want to go out there and show what I can do. Our team has got so many good players as well so we can’t fear Nigeria. Today when we started playing in the second half Benin couldn’t contain us.”

He certainly walked the talk with his performance and goal after coming off the bench in Uyo. The Wolves loanee was also the catalyst when Nees’s side fought back to earn a point against Benin Republic. 

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