A last-minute goal from Tawanda Chirewa denied Nigeria victory as Zimbabwe secured a 1-1 draw in their Group C World Cup qualifier on Tuesday.
Victor Osimhen put Nigeria ahead in the 73rd minute with a well-placed header from Ola Aina’s cross.
The Super Eagles seemed to be on track for three points until Chirewa scored in the 90th minute, sneaking past defenders and toe-poking the ball under goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali.
Tolu Arokodare, who replaced Samuel Chukwueze in the 59th minute, was involved in the opener. He held up play before passing to Aina, whose precise delivery found Osimhen at the far post.
Nigeria had multiple opportunities to extend their lead. In the 83rd minute, Wilfred Ndidi missed a clear chance after being played in by Moses Simon, skewing his shot wide. Moments later, Osimhen was substituted due to cramp, with Victor Boniface coming on.
The result left Nigeria in third position in Group C, after Lesotho’s late equalizer against Rwanda denied the Super Eagles the opportunity to move up to second.
Nigeria’s next match will be a critical opportunity to recapture momentum as they continue their World Cup qualification campaign.
