The Super Eagles were held to a frustrating 1-1 draw against Zimbabwe, conceding late in the game. Here are the key lessons learned from the match.
Victor Osimhen, who scored a brace in Nigeria’s 2-0 win over Rwanda just a few days earlier, put Nigeria ahead with a header from a well-delivered cross by Ola Aina. However, Zimbabwe equalized through Tawanda Chirewa in the 90th minute, leaving Nigeria with only seven points after six matches. Their hopes of qualifying for the 2026 FIFA World Cup now seem increasingly slim.
1. No Victor Osimhen, No Party
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It’s clear that Osimhen is indispensable to the Super Eagles. His importance isn’t just in his goals—although his 26 goals now place him just 11 behind the national team’s all-time leading scorer, Rashidi Yekini—but also in his leadership and energy. Nigeria struggled in his absence during the opening four matches of the 2026 WCQ, failing to win any of those games. His presence lifts the team, even in challenging moments, and without him, the team falters.
2. Others Need to Step Up
While Osimhen is the standout player, his efforts alone often aren’t enough. Several key players, such as Ademola Lookman, Moses Simon, and Alex Iwobi, had opportunities in this match but failed to capitalize—either by misplacing passes or not being clinical in front of goal. For Nigeria to succeed, these players need to adopt the same mentality and responsibility that Osimhen brings to the pitch.
3. Defensive Weaknesses Must Be Addressed
Nigeria’s defense continues to be a major concern. Zimbabwe had multiple opportunities to score, even hitting the post once. The defense was repeatedly caught out, with William Troost-Ekong’s half-hearted tackle leading directly to Zimbabwe’s equalizer. The midfield, led by Wilfred Ndidi, failed to shield the backline adequately, leaving them exposed far too often. Strengthening the defensive unit and improving coordination between defense and midfield must be a priority moving forward.
