The Super Eagles of Nigeria are now five good points behind South Africa And must now be thinking of finishing in the playoff spot instead of winning the group, even though all is not over.
It will take a complete collapse from South Africa before any of the sides in Group C can catch them.
Nigeria’s 2-0 win in Rwanda in round 5 of the World Cup qualifiers boosted the confidence and morale of the Nigerian fans ahead of the home fixture against Zimbabwe.
Zimbabwe had been nowhere near good travelling to Uyo to face Nigeria. With just three points won from five games before making the long trip from Southern Africa to Western Africa, many expected the Super Eagles to tear them apart but Zimbabwe had different plans.
Led by Zemura, Munetsi and the veteran Billiat, Zimbabwe had the men to hurt Nigeria albeit it was going to be a difficult task.
Zimbabwe, in the first half, played above expectations as they dominated the Super Eagles. The first half ended in a goalless draw with the visitors the happiest of the two.
In the second half, Ola Aina assisted Osimhen Victor, and the Galatasaray striker scored the much-awaited goal to the delight of the fans of Nigeria.
Eric Chelle’s men thought the three points were already in the bag, but Tawanda Chirewa struck in the 90th minute to stun everybody at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium in Uyo.
All the Group C fixtures were played simultaneously, so the stadium became very quiet, especially when they heard that South Africa was leading 2-0.
Nigeria now sits 4th, having won the same number of points as second and third-placed sides Rwanda and Benin.
In the other games of the group, South Africa won 2-0 against Benin with Lyle Foster and Jayden Adams scoring the goals in the second half.
