Zimbabwe and Nigeria Battle to a 1-1 Draw in World Cup Qualifier”
In a tightly contested match in the African Qualifiers for the 2026 World Cup, Zimbabwe and Nigeria ended in a 1-1 draw, leaving both teams without a chance to catch up to the leaders in their zone. The game provided intense moments and a thrilling finish that captivated fans.
The match kicked off at the Huye Stadium in Betare, Rwanda, with Nigeria dominating possession early on. However, Zimbabwe took the lead in the 26th minute when Musona scored a stunning 30-meter free kick, beating Nigeria’s goalkeeper. The Warriors continued to thwart Nigeria’s attempts, heading into halftime with a 1-0 lead.
As the second half commenced, Nigeria made strategic changes, bringing in Iheanacho, Osayi-Samuel, and Boniface. The alterations paid off as Iheanacho fired a precise shot just inside the left post in the 68th minute, equalizing for the Super Eagles.
The referee handed out yellow cards to Sadiq of Nigeria and Collins of Zimbabwe in the 90th and 87th minutes, respectively. Substitutions were made on both sides, with notable changes including Kadewere for Dzvukamanja in Zimbabwe and Collins entering for Onyemaechi in Nigeria.
The match saw missed opportunities and fervent protests, keeping fans on the edge of their seats. In the end, both teams settled for a 1-1 draw, marking a challenging but well-fought encounter.
The Huye Stadium, boasting a capacity of 20,000 spectators, witnessed the clash between two determined teams. Zimbabwe’s coach, Baltemar Brito, made three changes in the starting lineup, including Zemura, Rinomhota, and Kadewere. On the other side, Nigeria’s coach, Jose Peseiro, fielded a lineup similar to the previous match against Lesotho, with Simon, Moffi, Onyemaechi, and Aina replacing Lookman, Awoniyi, Collins, and Osayi Samuel.
Both teams showcased their strengths, with Nigeria aiming for their seventh World Cup appearance in the last nine editions. Meanwhile, Zimbabwe sought to build on their goalless draw against Rwanda in the opening match of the qualifiers.
The draw leaves both teams with work to do in the remaining qualifiers, with eyes on securing a spot in the 2026 World Cup. The match, covered live by VAVEL, provided football enthusiasts with a thrilling spectacle, showcasing the intensity and competitiveness of African football on the road to the World Cup.