2026 World Cup: Iheanacho rescues Super Eagles from defeat against Zimbabwe’s Warriors

The Super Eagles of Nigeria came from behind to force the Warriors of Zimbabwe to a 1-1 draw on Sunday afternoon in their second Group C game of the 2026 FIFA World Cup Qualifier played at the Huwe Stadium, Batare in Rwanda.

Coach Jose Peseiro made five changes from the side that drew against Lesotho in Uyo.

The Wariors of Zimbabwe started the game on an impressive note, matching the Super Eagles toe-to-toe before they won a free-kick 30 yards out of Nigeria’s box in the 26th minute of play.

Walter Musona sent a superb free-kick shot past Francis Uzoho in Nigeria’s goal to make it 1-0 for Zimbabwe. Nigeria looked harmless and failed to create anything of note in the final third, as the first half ended 1-0 in favour of the hosts.

Peseiro made three changes, after halftime, introducing Bright Osayi-Samuel, Kelechi Iheanacho, and Victor Boniface in place of Ola Aina, Frank Onyeka, and Nathan Tella.

Nigeia’s quality paid off as Moses Simon got on the end of a long pass and channelled it to Iheanacho. The Leicester City man striked the ball into the bottom-left corner in the 67th minute, to level the score 1-1.

Nigeria’s quest to get a winner proved abortive as they failed to penetrate Zimbabwe’s low block, despite their options in attack.

Zimbabwe had the better chances to score, In the closing stages of the game but the Super Eagles just managed to hang on as both sides eventually settled for a 1-1 draw.

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