2026 World Cup Qualifiers: Nigeria Held by Zimbabwe in 1-1 Draw, South Africa Defeat Benin to Stay Top
By Springnewsng Media Limited – March 25, 2025
Nigeria’s hopes of qualifying for the 2026 FIFA World Cup suffered another setback as Zimbabwehttp://Zimbabwe held the Super Eagles to a dramatic 1-1 draw on Tuesday at the Godswill Akpabio Stadium in Uyo.http://Godswill Akpabio Stadium in Uyo.
Victor Osimhen gave Nigeriahttp://Victor Osimhen gave Nigeria the lead in the 74th minute, but a late strike from Tawanda Chirewa in the 90th minute denied the Super Eagles a crucial victory.
The result leaves Nigeria struggling in Group C with just seven points from six matches, still sitting in fourth place. South Africa, on the other hand, tightened their grip on the group with a convincing 2-0 win over Benin Republic, taking them to 13 points and increasing their chances of securing an automatic ticket to the World Cup.
Nigeria Falter Again
After securing a 2-0 win against Rwanda last Friday, the Super Eagles were expected to build momentum against Zimbabwe. Eric Chelle’s men started brightly, creating several chances in the first half, but the visitors’ defense stood firm to deny them.
Despite persistent pressure, Nigeria struggled to break down the resilient Warriors. Their breakthrough finally came in the 74th minute when Simon Moses delivered a pinpoint cross for Osimhen, who headed the ball past the Zimbabwean goalkeeper to send the home crowd into celebration.
However, Nigeria’s defensive frailties were exposed once again. Just as they looked set to claim all three points, Zimbabwe launched a late attack. A defensive lapse allowed Chirewa to fire past Stanley Nwabali at the near post, snatching a vital point for the visitors.
South Africa Edge Closer to World Cup
Meanwhile, South Africa continued their impressive run with a solid 2-0 victory over Benin Republic. The Bafana Bafana now lead the group with 13 points, five points clear of second-placed Rwanda. With only one team earning an automatic World Cup spot, South Africa remain in pole position to secure qualification.
For Nigeria, the draw adds to growing concerns about their World Cup hopes. They must now win their remaining matches and hope for favorable results elsewhere to have a chance at qualifying via the playoff route.
