Eagles drop points in Uyo as Zimbabwe secure late draw

By Olaolu Joseph

Nigeria’s Super Eagles were held to a 1-1 draw by the Warriors of Zimbabwe on Tuesday, a result that puts their chances of qualifying for the 2026 World Cup in jeopardy.

Playing before a capacity crowd at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium, Uyo, the Eric Chelle-led Eagles failed to build on their 2-0 victory away to Rwanda last Friday.

The former Mali coach retained the starting eleven that defeated the Rwandans for a match in which Nigeria needed an outright win to boost their qualification hopes.

However, the Eagles struggled to break through a determined Zimbabwean side, as the first half ended goalless.

The second half saw the visitors thwarting all of Nigeria’s attempts to find the net until the 74th minute when Victor Osimhen headed home Simon Moses’ cross to put the Eagles ahead.

But Zimbabwe broke Nigerian hearts with an added-time equalizer, further dimming the Super Eagles’ chances of qualification.