Zimbabwe 1-1 Nigeria: Iheanacho on target as Warriors hold Eagles
Kelechi Iheanacho scored the equalizing goal for Nigeria in a 1-1 2026 World Cup qualifiers draw Vs Zimbabwe. SportsRation reports.
The match was a 2026 FIFA World Cup qualification matchday-two fixture and was played at the Huye Stadium in Rwanda on Sunday, November 19.
The 8th meeting between Zimbabwe and Nigeria started with both countries seeking a first win of the qualifying series.
Musona fired Zimbabwe ahead with a beautiful free kick in the 26th minute.
That goal boosted Zimbabwe’s confidence as they took charge of the game, passing the ball around the field to the frustration of the Super Eagles.
That passing-shift continued until the end of 45-minutes at the Huye Stadium in Batuare.
In search of a turnaround, Super Eagles of Nigeria head coach, Jose Peseiro made a triple susbtitution just before the restart.
Victor Boniface, Kelechi Iheanacho and Bright Osayi-samuel came-on for the Eagles in place of Frank Onyeka, Nathan Tella and Ola Aina.
The 1-0 half-time score left people of Nigerian persuasion in pain considering the Eagles 1-1 draw on matchday one of the qualification series.
In the 57th minute, Nigeria was awarded a controversial indirect free-kick when the Referee adjudged the Zimbabwe goalie handled the ball twice in his area.
A glorious chance that was but came to nothing as Boniface passed to Aribo just in-front of goal but his goal-bound attempt was cleared to safety by the Warriors.
The Super Eagles struggled to find a way past the packed Zimbabwe defence as the clock ticked away.
In the 67th minute, the Super Eagles got a deserved equalizer when Moses Simon set-up Kelechi Iheanacho to fire a left-footed shot into the goal.
That equalizer sparked further attempts from Nigeria who nearly got a second when Moses Simon crossed into box for Kelechi Iheanacho who missed the final touch.
Zimbabwe sat-back to frustrate the Super Eagles who kept pressing for a winner to no avail.
It finished 1-1, both countries have thus started their 2026 World Cup qualification series with consecutive draws.
