Nigeria's World Cup Hopes Dented as Zimbabwe Secures Late Draw

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Zimbabwe stunned Nigeria with a last-minute equalizer in a 1-1 draw on Tuesday, dealing a blow to the Super Eagles’ 2026 World Cup qualification campaign.

Victor Osimhen broke the deadlock in the 74th minute with a clinical header from Moses Simon’s cross, but Zimbabwe fought back in stoppage time to snatch a point.

Fresh off a 2-0 victory over Rwanda, Nigeria entered the match hoping to revive their fading World Cup dreams after a shaky start in the qualifiers. Despite dominating early chances at the Godswill Akpabio Stadium in Akwa Ibom State, the Super Eagles were repeatedly denied by Zimbabwe’s resolute defense.

The visitors held firm for much of the game before Osimhen’s strike seemed to secure the win. However, Zimbabwe’s late surge crushed Nigeria’s hopes, leaving their qualification fate hanging in the balance.