The Super Eagles of Nigeria now are five good points behind South Africa And must now be thinking of finishing in the play-off spot instead of winning
The Super Eagles of Nigeria now are five good points behind South Africa And must now be thinking of finishing in the play-off spot instead of winning the group even though all is not over yet.
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 on Tuesday afternoon.
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 Jordan 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 tought the three points were already in the bag but Tawanda Chirewa struck on 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 were 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.
Rwanda disappointingly drew 1-1 against Lesotho at the beautiful Stade Amahoro. Kwizera’s strike in the second half for the host was cancelled by Fothoane’s late goal.
Cape Verde shocked Angola in Luanda to take full control of Group D. Verona’s Dailon Livramento scored a brace for the competitive Cape Verde.
Guinea was beaten by Okello’s first half goal for Uganda.
COMMENTS