2026 World Cup Race: Zimbabweās Warriors draw Super Eagles 1-1 in Kigali
The Warriors of Zimbabwe in their second qualifying game for the 2026 FIFA World on Sunday afternoon drew 1-1 with the Super Eagles of Nigeria at the Huye Stadium in Rwanda.
Both teams have now secured two points from two games in the qualifying series.
Jose Peseiro made six 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 West African fired blanks in the first half of the encounter in Kigali.
However, Zimbabwe who were playing at a neutral turf in Kigali played far better in the first half of the encounter.
Walter Musona scored the game opener via a 30 meters freekick in the 27th minute to end the first half 1-0 in favour of the home side.
Upon resumption of the second half, Peseiro was forced to make some changes at 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.
However, in the 67nd minute, Leicester City midfielder, Kelechi Iheanacho lashed on to a pass from Joe Aribo to level scores for the visitors.
Super Eagles failed to add to their tally as all effort to score again in the game proved abortive despite their dominance in the last 20 minutes of the encounter.
The result meant that Super Eagles and Zimbabwe are levelled on two points and are behind group leaders South Africa despite playing a game more.
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