2026 World Cup Race: Again, Eagles Settle For Draw Against Zimbabwe

The Super Eagles, again, had to settle for a 1-1 draw on Day 2 of the FIFA World Cup qualifying African series after a tame performance failed to lift them above the Warriors of Zimbabwe in neutral Rwandan ground on Sunday. Walter Musona put the Warriors in front after 26 minutes with a 35-yard free-kick that eluded goalkeeper Francis Uzoho and sailed into the net. The Eagles did not play with the stronger mentality and determination they espoused after the 1-1 draw with Lesotho in Uyo on Thursday, as the Warriors, who played their own game against Rwanda a day earlier and better-rested, showed more hunger and desire for the three points. Moses Simon’s stout shielding of the ball and good decision in the box allowed Kelechi Iheanacho to slam past the goalkeeper for Nigeria’s equalizer after 67 minutes in Butare. The 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers resume in June 2024 with Nigeria hosting South Africa, current leaders of Group C, before travelling to an away game against Benin Republic.    

Paris 2024: Ethiopia’s ‘Lucy’ Hold Super Falcons In Addis Ababa

Nigeria and Ethiopia’s senior girls put up a hard-fought battle in Addis Ababa on Wednesday afternoon with the game ending 1-1 to set up an interesting return leg in Abuja on Tuesday next week. Captain Rasheedat Ajibade’s scorching shot from the edge of the box, six minutes after the restart, restored parity at the Abebe Bikila Stadium, after the Ethiopian girls had surprisingly taken the lead in the 6th minute of play as Birkie Amare made hay from a corner kick. With Asisat Oshoala in the top-striking position, Uchenna Kanu and Gift Monday operated from the wings, with Michelle Alozie switched to left back to allow Nicole Payne take charge at right back. Oluwatosin Demehin and Akudo Ogbonna took control at the centre of the defence, and with Christy Ucheibe and Halimatu Ayinde unavailable, Peace Efih joined Toni Payne and Ajibade to string things together in the middle. Both teams found it hard to create many opportunities in a tight first period, though Asisat Oshoala should have done better with an opportunity from Payne’s cross halfway into the period. After Ajibade restored parity, the Falcons took full control, and substitute Ifeoma Onumonu should have put Nigeria in the lead in the 64th minute, only to be denied as she cocked the trigger. Payne and Onumonu combined to create a gilt-edged opportunity in the 79th minute, but once more Oshoala failed to make hay. The Falcons thought they had won it when Onumonu towered above all to head into the net on the dot of time. However, Algerian referee Lamia Atman spotted foul play in the build-up. Both teams will clash again at the MKO Abiola National Stadium, Abuja on Tuesday, with the winner on aggregate to proceed to the third round, where the winner of the Cameroon/Uganda fixture awaits.