NIGERIA – The Zimbabwe Warriors and the Super Eagles of Nigeria settled for a 1-1 draw in their World Cup qualifier at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium in Uyo.
Nigeria took the lead in the 74th minute through star striker Victor Osimhen, but Zimbabwe’s rising talent, on-loan Huddersfield forward, Tawanda Chirewa, struck in stoppage time to secure a point for the Warriors.
The result mirrors the first-leg encounter in November 2023 in Huye, Rwanda.
Walter Musona scored for Zimbabwe and Kelechi Iheanacho netted Nigeria’s equaliser.
After six rounds of the 10-match group campaign Nigeria have slipped to six points behind leaders South Africa, who secured a 2-0 away win against Benin through efforts from Burnley striker Lyle Foster and Jayden Adams.
Nigeria, who missed out on the 2022 finals in Qatar, are fourth in the group, a point behind Rwanda and Benin.
Only the nine group winners will qualify for the expanded 48-team tournament next year.
The four best second-placed sides will play off for a spot at an intercontinental tournament which will decide the final spots in the United States, Mexico and Canada.
