The Super Eagles’ World Cup qualifying campaign suffered a devastating blow on Tuesday, March 25, 2025, as they were held to a shocking 1-1 draw by Zimbabwe. It was as if the gods of football had deserted the Nigerian national team, leaving them to ponder what could have been.
The Super Eagles had taken the lead and were cruising to victory, but a late equalizer from Zimbabwe stunned the team and the nation, leaving everyone wondering if the gods were indeed smiling on them.
A Questionable Substitution
The turning point of the match came when coach Eric Chelle substituted Victor Osimhen, the team’s most consistent finisher, with Boniface, who has yet to score a goal for the national team. This decision raised eyebrows, as Osimhen was the most likely player to score and secure the win for Nigeria.
Tactical Errors
The substitution was not the only questionable decision made by the coach. As the match drew to a close, the Super Eagles started to leave gaping holes in the midfield, allowing the Zimbabweans to dictate the pace of the game. The Nigerians also started to lose possession of the ball with ease, with Lookman attempting solo runs that ultimately ended in losing possession.
A Moment of Madness
The equalizing goal came in the 90th minute, when William Troost-Ekong, the Nigerian captain, made a crucial mistake. With the Zimbabwean attacker running at him, Ekong took his leg off the pedal, allowing the attacker to slide the ball under the Nigerian goalkeeper. This moment of madness will haunt Ekong for the rest of his life, as it may have cost Nigeria a spot in the 2026 World Cup.
A Painful End
The draw was a painful end to what was otherwise a match that Nigeria had under control. The Super Eagles had taken the lead and were cruising to victory until they went to sleep, allowing Zimbabwe to snatch a late equalizer.
The silence around the Uyo Township stadium and around the country after the match spoke loudly about the gloom that has settled over Nigerians more like when the gods deserted a nation.
A Long Shot
Nigeria’s chances of making it to the 2026 World Cup are now slim. The team will need a miracle to qualify, and even then, it may not be enough. The Super Eagles will have to regroup and refocus if they hope to make it to the World Cup.
The road to the 2026 World Cup has just gotten tougher for the Super Eagles, but it’s not impossible. With four matches left to play, Nigeria needs to win all of them to have any chance of qualifying. It’s a tall order, but not entirely out of reach.
The team needs to regroup, refocus, and come out with a newfound determination to succeed. The Nigerian fans will be behind them every step of the way, cheering them on and urging them to give it their all. It’s time for the Super Eagles to spread their wings and take flight, to show the world what they’re capable of. Can they do it? Only time will tell.