•South Africa flies higher, tops group
Nigeria’s qualification for the 2026 World Cup, which will be co-hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico, hangs in the balance after a shocking 1-1 draw with the Warriors of Zimbabwe at the Godswill Akpabio Stadium in Uyo on Tuesday.
After a goalless first half, Nigeria, needing a win to close the gap on Group C toppers South Africa, scored in the 73rd minute via a sublime finish from Victor Osimhen to a cheering 30,000 fans at the stadium.
The Super Eagles’ dream was cut short after Zimbabwe equalized following a lacklustre defending in the 89th minute.
Tawanda Chirewa ran through the Super Eagles’ defence and poked the ball past goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali to equalise for the visitors and silence the crowd in Uyo.
After the completion of Matchday 6 matches, South Africa stays top of the group with 13 points after securing a 2-0 win against Benin Republic in Abidjan.
Rwanda and the Benin Republic are placed second and third with 8 points each, while Nigeria is in 4th spot with 7 points.
Lesotho and Zimbabwe, who picked a point each away in Kigali and Uyo, are placed 5th and 6th on the log with 6 points and 4 points, respectively.