Nigeria’s 2026 World Cup hopes dented by late Zimbabwe equaliser

Nigeria’s hopes of qualifying for the 2026 FIFA World Cup are now hanging in the balance after Zimbabwe snatched a last-minute equaliser to leave the Super Eagles trailing in Group C.

Victor Osimhen’s diving header had put Nigeria on the verge of back-to-back victories, but Zimbabwe star Tawanda Chirewa, on loan from Huddersfield, stunned the home crowd in Uyo by poking past goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali in the 90th minute to level the score.

With six rounds of the 10-match group campaign completed, Nigeria now find themselves six points adrift of leaders South Africa, who earned a 2-0 away win against Benin thanks to goals from Burnley striker Lyle Foster and Jayden Adams.

Nigeria, who failed to qualify for the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, are now fourth in the group, one point behind Rwanda and Benin.

Only the nine group winners will secure automatic qualification for next year’s expanded 48-team tournament.

Additionally, the four best second-placed teams will enter a playoff for a chance to qualify for an intercontinental tournament that will decide the final spots for the World Cup in the United States, Mexico, and Canada.