BY ANDREW EKEJIUBA
The Super Eagles were held to a 1-1 draw by Zimbabwe in their second qualifying game for the 2026 FIFA World Cup on Sunday afternoon at the Huye Stadium in Rwanda, thanks to Kelechi Iheanacho’s goal.
Jose Peseiro made some changes to the starting XI that featured against Lesotho, with Ola Aina replacing Bright Osayi-Samuel, Moses Simon, Joe Aribo and Terem Moffi starting and Nathan Tella handed a full debut.
The three-time African champions had no threat on goal in the first half besides a Moses Simon’s free-kick that was easily dealt with.
It was Zimbabwe that looked more threatening, particularly on the counter and got a reward for their endeavours through a well-taken free kick from Walter Musona.
Peseiro was forced to make some changes at the start of the second half as he brought on Osayi-Samuel, Kelechi Iheanacho and Victor Boniface with Ola Aina, Nathan Tella and Frank Onyeka making way.
Moments after the start of the second half, Nigeria had the first chance to restore parity from an indirect free kick but were denied by a goal-line clearance.
Relief eventually came in the 67th for the Super Eagles when Joe Aribo made a loft pass to Simon who put the ball on the plate for Iheanacho to level the scoreline.
Despite dominating possession in the last twenty minutes, the Super Eagles failed to carve out any meaningful chances while the Warriors were content to protect their draw.
