Deborah Akinyosoye
A last-minute goal from Tawanda Chirewa denied Nigeria victory as Zimbabwe secured a 1-1 draw in their Group C World Cup qualifier on Tuesday.
Victor Osimhen had put Nigeria ahead in the 73rd minute with a well-placed header from Ola Aina’s cross. The Super Eagles appeared to be heading for three points until Chirewa struck in the 90th minute, slipping past defenders and toe-poking the ball under goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali.
The match, played at the Moshood Abiola National Stadium in Abuja, saw Nigeria dominate possession and create several chances. Tolu Arokodare, who replaced Samuel Chukwueze in the 59th minute, was involved in the opener. He held up play before passing to Aina, whose precise delivery found Osimhen at the far post.
Nigeria had multiple opportunities to extend their lead. In the 83rd minute, Wilfred Ndidi missed a clear chance after being played in by Moses Simon, skewing his shot wide. Moments later, Osimhen was substituted due to cramp, with Victor Boniface coming on.
Zimbabwe nearly equalized in the 76th minute when Walter Musona’s effort struck the underside of the crossbar after a mix-up between Nwabali and his defenders.
The visitors eventually found their goal in stoppage time through Chirewa, who capitalized on a defensive lapse to earn Zimbabwe a crucial point.
The result leaves Nigeria in third place in Group C, as Lesotho’s late equalizer against Rwanda meant the Super Eagles missed the chance to move up to second.
Nigeria’s next fixture will be a crucial opportunity to regain momentum as they continue their World Cup qualifying campaign.