A dramatic 90th-minute goal from Tawanda Chirewa denied Nigeria a win, as Zimbabwe earned a hard-fought 1-1 draw in their Group C 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifier on Tuesday.
Played at the Moshood Abiola National Stadium in Abuja, the match saw Nigeria dominate large spells of possession and create several clear chances, but a lapse in concentration in stoppage time proved costly for the hosts.
The Super Eagles took the lead in the 73rd minute through Victor Osimhen, who rose to head home Ola Aina’s pinpoint cross. The goal came after good work from substitute Tolu Arokodare, who had come on for Samuel Chukwueze in the 59th minute and held up play before releasing Aina down the right.
Nigeria pushed to double their lead, with Wilfred Ndidi missing a golden opportunity in the 83rd minute after being played through by Moses Simon—his shot skewed wide. Shortly after, Osimhen was taken off due to cramp and replaced by Victor Boniface.
Zimbabwe Warriors nearly found an equalizer in the 76th minute when Walter Musona’s powerful strike rattled the underside of the bar, following confusion between goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali and his defenders.
But the Warriors did not relent. In the dying moments, Chirewa pounced on a defensive lapse, weaving past two defenders before toe-poking the ball under Nwabali to snatch a late equalizer and a crucial point for Zimbabwe.
The draw leaves Nigeria in third place in Group C, missing the chance to move up after Lesotho secured a late draw against Rwanda. Zimbabwe’s resilience, however, earned them a valuable result as the qualifiers continue.
Nigeria will now look ahead to their next fixture, needing a win to revive their qualifying hopes.