Sports

World Cup Qualifiers: Agony for Nigeria as Zimbabwe’s Late Equalizer Spoils the Party

Published

1 day ago

Mar 25, 2025.

Osimhen Scores, Chirewa Responds Late: Victor Osimhen’s 73rd-minute header gave Nigeria the lead, but Tawanda Chirewa’s 90th-minute goal secured a 1-1 draw for Zimbabwe.
Missed Chances for Nigeria: Despite dominating possession, Nigeria missed key opportunities, including Wilfred Ndidi’s wayward shot in the 83rd minute.
Group C Standings Impact: The draw leaves Nigeria in third place, missing the chance to move up as Lesotho also secured a late equalizer against Rwanda.

A last-minute goal from Tawanda Chirewa helped Zimbabwe secure a 1-1 draw against Nigeria in their Group C World Cup qualifier on Tuesday.

Victor Osimhen gave Nigeria the lead in the 73rd minute with a header from Ola Aina’s cross. The Super Eagles were close to winning until Chirewa scored in the 90th minute, slipping past defenders and sending the ball under goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali.

The match, played at the Goodwill Akpabio Stadium in Uyo, saw Nigeria control possession and create many chances. Tolu Arokodare, who came in for Samuel Chukwueze in the 59th minute, played a key role in the goal. He held the ball before passing to Aina, who crossed it perfectly for Osimhen to score.

Nigeria had chances to increase their lead. In the 83rd minute, Wilfred Ndidi missed a clear opportunity after a pass from Moses Simon, sending his shot wide. Osimhen was later substituted due to cramp, with Victor Boniface replacing him.

Zimbabwe almost scored in the 76th minute when Walter Musona’s shot hit the crossbar after a mix-up in Nigeria’s defense. They eventually found the equalizer in stoppage time, with Chirewa taking advantage of a defensive mistake.