The Super Eagles’ hopes of qualifying for the World Cup are now hanging by a thread following a disappointing home draw against Zimbabwe.
Nigeria’s World Cup aspirations took a major blow after they failed to secure a victory against the Warriors of Zimbabwe at home.
Despite dominating most of the match, the Super Eagles struggled to create clear scoring opportunities. They finally broke the deadlock in the 74th minute through a goal from Victor Osimhen, but a brief lapse in concentration allowed Zimbabwe to equalize. Tawanda Chirewa navigated past Nigeria’s defense before calmly slotting the ball into the net, denying the Super Eagles maximum points.
Player Ratings:
Stanley Nwanbali (6.0)
The Chippa United goalkeeper had a relatively quiet evening as Nigeria controlled most of the game. Zimbabwe rarely tested him, and their few attacking forays failed to trouble him. However, he made a crucial save in the 75th minute, denying Dzukamanja in a one-on-one situation. Unfortunately, he could do little to prevent Chirewa’s equalizer.
Bright Osayi-Samuel (4.5)
The Fenerbahçe right-back struggled to provide the attacking support expected of him. Defensively, he was caught out of position multiple times, including during Zimbabwe’s goal, where he failed to track back effectively.
William Troost-Ekong (4.5)
The Super Eagles captain had a decent game overall until the moment of Zimbabwe’s goal. For much of the match, he was not heavily tested, but lapses in Nigeria’s defensive organization, which he led, allowed the visitors to create openings. Chirewa bypassed Ekong too easily before scoring the equalizer.
Calvin Bassey (5.5)
The Fulham defender, much like his captain, was not under significant pressure for most of the game. However, he was also guilty of allowing Zimbabwe to exploit spaces behind Nigeria’s defensive line. His distribution was average, and he struggled to execute his signature progressive passes into midfield.
Ola Aina (6.5)
Defensively, the Nottingham Forest full-back was solid when called upon. In the first half, his offensive contributions were below expectations, as he failed to deliver quality crosses into the box. However, he redeemed himself in the second half by setting up Osimhen’s goal with a pinpoint cross in the 74th minute.
Wilfred Ndidi (5.5)
The Leicester City midfielder showed noticeable limitations in his passing, appearing clumsy in possession. His ability to break up play also seemed diminished, as Zimbabwe easily bypassed Nigeria’s midfield during counterattacks. Nevertheless, he made some strong tackles and came close to doubling Nigeria’s lead.
Alex Iwobi (6.0)
The Fulham midfielder was a key figure in Nigeria’s attacking play in the first half, orchestrating several promising moves. However, his influence waned in the second half when he was deployed in a deeper role to aid ball progression.
Samuel Chukwueze (4.5)
The AC Milan winger failed to make an impact despite Nigeria’s dominance on the flanks in the first half. He struggled to beat his marker and was ineffective with his deliveries into the box. He also squandered a clear-cut chance after being set up by Moses Simon.
Ademola Lookman (6.0)
The Atalanta forward was one of Nigeria’s more lively players. He displayed good passing and dribbling ability but was wasteful in front of goal, failing to capitalize on promising opportunities.
Moses Simon (6.0)
Similar to Chukwueze, the Nantes winger was culpable for Nigeria’s failure to capitalize on their first-half dominance. However, he improved as the game progressed, creating several chances and initiating the move that led to the Super Eagles’ goal.
Victor Osimhen (7.0)
Osimhen’s relentless work ethic was on full display, as he tirelessly harassed Zimbabwe’s defense. Although he received minimal service, his constant movement created problems for the opposition. He also had a penalty claim waved away by the referee. His crucial moment came in the 74th minute when he expertly headed in Aina’s cross to put Nigeria ahead. Unfortunately, the lead did not last, and his efforts were only enough to secure a point.
Substitutes:
Tolu Arokodare (6.5)
The towering Genk striker replaced Chukwueze in the 60th minute and made an immediate impact. His physical presence provided Nigeria with an additional aerial threat, and he had two headed chances. His most significant contribution came in the build-up to Osimhen’s goal, as he held up a lofted pass from Moses Simon before spreading it wide to Aina, who provided the decisive cross.
Raphael Onyedika (5.0)
The Club Brugge midfielder displayed composure on the ball and made a few well-timed tackles. However, along with Ndidi, he could have done more to help Nigeria withstand Zimbabwe’s late attacking pressure.
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