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.

The Akwa Ibom State Government has purchased 30,000 tickets for football fans and supporters ahead of Super Eagles 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifier against Zimbabwe.

The move is mobilise support for the Super Eagles in the game.

Eric Chelle’s side will host the Warriors at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium, Uyo on Tuesday.

The Super Eagles have played all their previous home games in the qualifiers at the ground.

The three-time African champions will be looking to record their second win in the qualifiers following last Friday’s 2-0 victory over Rwanda in Kigali.

The Group C encounter will kick-off at 5pm.

Captain William Troost-Ekong says the Super Eagles are fully focused on their clash with the Warriors of Zimbabwe.

Nigeria will face Michael Nees’ side in a 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifying matchday six encounter at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium, Uyo, on Tuesday.

The Super Eagles revitalised their qualifying campaign with a 2-0 victory over Rwanda last Friday.

Troost-Ekong stated that the players have put that win behind them and are fully prepared for the challenge against Zimbabwe.

“The win over Rwanda is in the past. We are now 100% focused on the game against Zimbabwe tomorrow. Against a motivated Zimbabwean side, we just want to rise to the occasion and win,” the centre-back told a press conference.

“We have experienced and ambitious players in the team, but we also spoke about the significance of playing at the World Cup. Our targets are very clear.”

Head coach Eric Chelle took charge of the Super Eagles for the first time against Rwanda.

Troost-Ekong noted that the players are adapting to the coach’s tactics.

“We are working on adjusting to the coach’s tactics. We have enough quality, and we saw that against Rwanda. It’s a process, and we just need to deliver against Zimbabwe tomorrow,” he added.