Super Eagles head coach Eric Chelle admitted that costly mistakes cost his team vital points after Nigeria conceded a late equalizer in their 1-1 draw against Zimbabwe at the Godswill Akpabio Stadium in Akwa Ibom.
Chelle, who watched his side dominate large parts of the game, expressed frustration at the missed chances and defensive lapse that allowed Zimbabwe’s Tawanda Chirewa to snatch a 90th-minute goal.
Despite Victor Osimhen’s 74th-minute opener, the Super Eagles failed to close out the game, putting their World Cup qualification hopes in jeopardy.
“We made some mistakes, but we were the better team on the pitch. This is football. It is difficult for me to analyze the game right now; we will review it later,”Chelle said during his post-match press conference.
Nigeria had multiple opportunities to seal victory, with Chukwueze, Alex Iwobi missing a clear-cut chance in the first half and Wilfred Ndidi failing to convert a golden opportunity late in the game.
Those missed chances proved costly as Zimbabwe capitalized on a rare defensive lapse to grab a crucial point.
Defensive Lapses and Wastefulness Cost Nigeria
Nigeria started the game with intensity, controlling possession and pressing Zimbabwe high up the pitch. Despite their dominance, they struggled to break down a disciplined Zimbabwean defense.
The frustration grew when Iwobi squandered a chance from close range, dragging his shot wide after being set up inside the box.
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The breakthrough finally came in the 74th minute when Ola Aina whipped in a dangerous low cross, and Osimhen rose highest to nod the ball past the Zimbabwean goalkeeper.
The goal sparked wild celebrations, and Nigeria looked poised to claim a much-needed three points.
Ndidi against Zimbabwe. ( Photo Credits Imago)
However, the Super Eagles failed to kill off the game. Ndidi had a glorious opportunity to double the lead late in the second half, but his tame effort was easily dealt with.
Those missed opportunities proved costly when, in the final minute of regulation time, a defensive lapse allowed Chirewa to sneak into the box and fire past Stanley Nwabali at the near post, leaving the home fans in stunned silence.
Chelle Refuses to Blame Defense
With criticism mounting over Nigeria’s inability to see out games, Chelle defended his players, insisting that the result was a collective failure rather than an issue with the defense alone.
“I don’t want to blame the defenders. We win as a team and lose as a team. We had chances to make it 2-0 but didn’t take them. When you fail to convert, the opponent always has a chance to come back,” he stated.
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The draw extends Nigeria’s inconsistent run in the World Cup qualifiers, leaving their chances of securing a spot at the tournament in serious doubt.
Nigeria’s Qualification Hopes in Jeopardy
The result leaves Nigeria fourth in Group C with seven points after six matches.
South Africa leads the group with 13 points after defeating Benin 2-0 in Ivory Coast, while Rwanda sits second with eight points following a 0-0 draw against Lesotho in Kigali.
Osimhen 3rd goal in 2 games wasn’t enough to rescue Chelle led Super Eagles against Zimbabwe. (Photo Credits X)
Nigeria’s World Cup hopes are hanging by a thread. The Super Eagles will need a dramatic turnaround in their remaining fixtures to stand a chance of making it to the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Chelle remains hopeful but acknowledges the uphill task ahead.
“We have to keep working and stay focused. It’s not over yet,” he said.
As the Super Eagles look ahead to their next qualifier, the pressure is mounting.
