World Cup
Another 67th minute goal, as Nigeria again laboured to 1-1 draw
BY KUNLE SOLAJA.
Super Eagles’ prospects of qualifying for the 2026 World Cup finals continue on a shaky ground as they again failed to win a second match in the series. As it was last Thursday in the duel with Lesotho, the Super Eagles were able to force a 1-1 draw against Zimbabwe.
As it was also last Thursday, when a 67th minute goal by Semilogo Ajayi from Iheanacho corner kick salvaged the situation for the Super Eagles, this time, Kelechi Iheanacho also scrambled home the ball in the 67th minute.
The Zimbabweans took the lead in the 26th minute through a 30 metre free kick by Walter Musona who floated the ball over the Nigerian wall of defence and beat a hapless Francis Uzoho in goal.
With the result, Nigeria with just two points from two matches are second behind South Africa who are likely to consolidate their leadership on Tuesday in their MatchDay 2 encounter with Rwanda.
Nigeria’s next match in the series is against the table topper, South Africa on June 5 next year. Three days later, the Super Eagles will make a short trip across Nigeria’s western border to face Benin Republic.
It is indeed a marathon wait for Nigeria to dream World Cup 2026.
