WCQ Nigeria 1 Zimbabwe 1: Real drama in Uyo as Osimhen's goal cancelled out by Chirewa

The Super Eagles  were left frustrated as a last-gasp goal from Tawanda Chirewa denied them victory against Zimbabwe in a dramatic encounter that ended 1-1 at the Godswill Akpabio Stadium in Uyo.

Galatasaray talisman, Victor Osimhen had given Nigeria the lead in the second half, but a dramatic 90th-minute strike saw Zimbabwe snatch a point at the death.

After a tense first half where both sides struggled to find the cutting edge, Nigeria finally found the breakthrough in the 73rd minute. 

Notthingham Forest’s Ola Aina, who had been lively on the flank, delivered an inch-perfect cross, and Osimhen, always a threat in the air, stooped low to head home past Zimbabwean goalkeeper George Chigova Arubi. 

The goal was a reward for Nigeria's persistence, with Osimhen making up for earlier frustrations in front of goal.

A lot of credit went to Tolu Arokodare for his role in the goal, as he expertly held up play before feeding Aina for the assist.

Despite taking the lead, the Super Eagles failed to kill the game off. In the 76th minute, Zimbabwe came agonizingly close to an equalizer when Knowledge Musona saw his effort bounce off the underside of the crossbar after a mix-up in the Nigerian defense. 

Stanley Nwabali had rushed off his line but failed to deal with the danger, leaving Zimbabwe inches away from leveling the score.

Nigeria had a golden chance to double their advantage in the 83rd minute when Moses Simon found Wilfred Ndidi in space, but the Leicester City midfielder fluffed his lines, sending his shot wildly off target instead of using his stronger left foot. 

It was a miss that would come back to haunt Nigeria.

Just when Nigeria looked to be heading for victory, Zimbabwe struck at the death. In the 90th minute, Chirewa showed quick feet inside the box before poking the ball under Nwabali to secure a dramatic equalizer. 

The goal sent Zimbabwean fans into celebration and left the Super Eagles stunned.

The match had started with both teams testing each other’s defenses. Nigeria came close in the opening minutes, with Osimhen forcing Arubi into two quick saves. 

Ademola Lookman and Samuel Chukwueze also had promising moments, but Zimbabwe’s defense remained resolute.

In the 50th minute, Alex Iwobi squandered a big chance from close range, failing to convert a quick pass from Simon.

Another wasted opportunity came when Lookman created space for himself but missed the target with his shot.

At the other end, Zimbabwe had their own moments, with Musona and Khama Billiat causing problems for Nigeria’s backline. 

The Super Eagles were lucky not to concede earlier, especially after a defensive mix-up nearly gifted Zimbabwe a goal.

The draw will feel like a defeat for Nigeria, who had the game in their hands but failed to see it out. 

Finishing chances remains a concern for the Super Eagles, and their inability to manage the game in the closing minutes proved costly.

For Zimbabwe, it was a heroic performance, showing resilience and determination to fight until the final whistle. 

The result will serve as a confidence boost as they continue their campaign.

Nigeria will need to regroup quickly, address their defensive lapses, and be more clinical in attack if they hope to get back to winning ways.

Kenneth Afor

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