Nigeria’s hopes for qualifying for the FIFA 2026 world championship have failed to fail after a disappointing draw 1-1 against Zimbabwe in Uyo. Super Eagles were sometimes from providing a key win before the late corrector refused all of them three points. The key point of the conversation from the match was the decision of the important coach Eric Chelle, who played a task in the absence of Nigeria’s victory.
Tactical error in the final minutes
With Nigeria leading 1-0 in the 87th minute, Victor Osimhen talismanic striker asked for replacement. At that point, Nigeria already had 4 attackers on the pitch – Osimhen, Moses Simon, Ademola Lookman and Tola Arokodare. Instead of bringing a helper to strengthen the defensive shape of the team, Chelle selected Victor Boniface, maintaining an attacking attack.
This decision was left by Nigeria’s midfielder revealed at a vital moment when Zimbabwe increased the pressure in the hunt for the concealer. Just before replacing, the guests have already approached the scoring, forcing Calvin Bassey to be cleaned after beating the goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali. There were warning signs, but the coaching staff didn’t react defensively.
As a result, Nigeria tried to regain control over the middle of the field, allowing Zimbabwe to push freely. Inevred happened during the arrest, when Tawanda Chirewa passed by the Nigeria line and fired next to Nwabali to secure some extent for visitors.
Failed opportunities also cost Nigeria
In addition to the error of the substitute, Chelle Nigeria had the opportunity to place the game out of Zimbabwe’s reach. Victor Osimhen’s goal in the second half gave great eagles lead, but the team didn’t use. Wilfred Ndidi lost a transparent likelihood of doubling Nigeria’s advantage, while Zimbabwe almost even equalized when Terrence Dzvukamanja hit the bar.
Learning curve for Chelle
Chelle supervised two matches as a brilliant Eagles coach, winning one and drawing one. While his first victory against Rwanda was a positive starting, this draw emphasizes the importance of tactical awareness, especially in managing the game at the final stages.
Since Nigeria ends the leaders of the C. South African Republic by six points, Super Eagles have little space for mistakes in other qualifications. Chelle must learn from this failure and make higher tactical decisions if Nigeria is to maintain his hopes of the World Cup.
