Victor Osimhen once again delivered when it mattered most, scoring a crucial goal in the 74th minute to put the Super Eagles ahead against Zimbabwe at the Godswill Akpabio Stadium on Tuesday.
However, his effort was ultimately in vain, as substitute Tawanda Chirewa struck in stoppage time to snatch a dramatic 1-1 draw for the visitors, dealing a heavy blow to Nigeria’s World Cup hopes.
Buoyed by their commanding 2-0 away victory over Rwanda on Friday, the Super Eagles were expected to make light work of a Zimbabwean side rooted at the bottom of the group. But the Warriors proved far more resilient than anticipated, frustrating the hosts for much of the game.
With Nigeria desperately searching for a breakthrough, Osimhen rose to the occasion, diving to meet an Ola Aina cross with a precise header to break the deadlock.
Just when it seemed Eric Chelle’s side would secure a vital win, Zimbabwe had the final say, as Chirewa’s late strike left the Super Eagles stunned and their World Cup qualification hopes hanging by a thread.
Can Osimhen still inspire a turnaround for the Super Eagles in a tight Group C race?
With Nigeria’s World Cup qualification hopes in jeopardy, all eyes will be on Victor Osimhen to reignite the Super Eagles’ campaign when they play Rwanda and South Africa in must-win encounters in September.
With just seven points from six games, the Super Eagles find themselves in a precarious position, trailing group leaders South Africa by six points.
Yet, all hope is not lost, as the next round of fixtures in September offers Osimhen and his teammates a chance at redemption.
The Galatasaray striker, who has now scored 26 goals for Nigeria, remains the Super Eagles' biggest hope of turning their fortunes around. If they are to keep their World Cup dream alive, Osimhen will need to produce his trademark brilliance in front of goal, just as he has done time and again for his country.
