By A Correspondent

Tawanda Chirewa emerged as the hero for Zimbabwe after scoring a last-gasp equaliser to secure a 1-1 draw for the Warriors against Nigeria’s Super Eagles in their 2026 FIFA World Cup Qualifiers Group C match in Uyo, Nigeria, on Tuesday.

Chirewa, who came on as a substitute in the final ten minutes, made an immediate impact, finding the back of the net in injury time to level the score. Earlier in the match, the Super Eagles had taken the lead through a header by Victor Osimhen in the 73rd minute, after a sustained period of pressure from the hosts.

Nigeria had dominated possession from the start, with Moses Simon and Osimhen creating early chances. However, Zimbabwe’s goalkeeper, Washington Arubi, was in fine form, making crucial saves to deny Nigeria the opening goal.

The Warriors largely relied on counter-attacks but were unable to threaten Nigeria’s goal during the first half. Despite creating multiple opportunities, Nigeria could not find a way through, and the first half ended goalless.

The second half saw Nigeria continue to press, firing shots from all angles, but Zimbabwe held firm until the 73rd minute. It was then that Osimhen broke the deadlock, heading in Simon’s cross to give the Super Eagles the lead.

Zimbabwe nearly responded immediately when Knowledge Musona’s effort hit the crossbar just three minutes later. Terrence Dzvukamanja also had a chance but blasted his shot over the bar from the edge of the box.

As the match seemed to be slipping away from Zimbabwe, substitute Tawanda Maswanhise provided the assist for Chirewa, who calmly slotted home the equaliser in the dying seconds of the match, ensuring a dramatic 1-1 draw for the Warriors.

With the draw, Zimbabwe moved to four points in the group, while Nigeria remains on seven points. The match highlighted Chirewa’s potential and brought a sense of hope for Zimbabwe’s qualification campaign.