Super Eagles’ World Cup Hopes Dented as Warriors Snatch Late Equalizer in Uyo
Zimbabwe coach Michael Nees boldly declared that his team and Nigeria now have “similar chances” of qualifying for the 2026 World Cup after the Warriors held the Super Eagles to a frustrating 1-1 draw in Uyo on Tuesday.
Despite Nigeria dominating possession and creating more chances, Zimbabwe stunned the home crowd with a last-gasp equalizer from Tawanda Chirewa in the 90th minute—just moments after Victor Osimhen had put the Super Eagles ahead in the 74th. The result leaves Nigeria winless against Zimbabwe in their two qualifier meetings.
A defiant Nees, clearly pleased with his team’s resilience, brushed off doubts about Zimbabwe’s qualification prospects. “I said before that the World Cup qualification is over when it is over. If it is over for us, then it is over for Nigeria also,” he told reporters, sparking laughter from Nigerian journalists. Unfazed, he fired back: “You’re laughing—how many points do you (Nigeria) have?”
The numbers make grim reading for Nigeria. With just seven points from six games, the Super Eagles now sit fourth in Group C, a staggering six points behind leaders South Africa (13 points) and one behind second-placed Rwanda. Meanwhile, Zimbabwe remain at the bottom with four points—but Nees’ side has now proven they can be a thorn in Nigeria’s side.
With only four matches left, Nigeria’s World Cup dreams hang by a thread. And after this latest stumble, even Zimbabwe’s coach is daring to suggest they’re no better off than his underdog squad.
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