Victor Osimhen’s third goal in two matches was not enough for Nigeria to get the needed win over a resolute Zimbabwe in a hard-fought 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifier.

The Galatasaray striker’s powerful 73rd-minute diving header broke the deadlock, but Tawanda Chirewa shocked the home team with a 90th-minute equaliser.

In a game dominated by the Super Eagles, the breakthrough finally came in the 73rd minute when Ola Aina whipped in a perfect cross for Victor Osimhen to power home a diving header—his third goal in two qualifiers.

Zimbabwe nearly equalised immediately, with Nwabali making a crucial block on Musona before Terrence Dzvukamanja’s follow-up rattled the crossbar, and Calvin Bassey cleared the danger.

Wilfred Ndidi missed a golden chance to seal the game, firing wide with only the keeper to beat after coming close to scoring his first international goal.

Zimbabwe kept pushing and snatched a dramatic equaliser in the 90th minute when Tawanda Chirewa rounded William Troost-Ekong and slotted past Nwabali.

South Africa remain top of the group with 13 points after their 2-0 victory over Benin, but Nigeria’s draw barely keeps their qualification hopes alive with four matches left in the series.