Nigeria’s head coach, Eric Chelle, expressed his disappointment over his team’s lackluster performance after they settled for a 1-1 draw against Zimbabwe during their home game in the ongoing 2026 World Cup qualifiers at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium on Tuesday.
Despite creating numerous opportunities in Uyo, Chelle’s side only managed to score in the 74th minute when Victor Osimhen headed in a cross from Ola Aina to give them the lead.
Unfortunately, the home team could not maintain their advantage, as Tawanda Chirewa took advantage of defensive lapses to equalize in the 90th minute, thwarting their aim to overtake Rwanda for second place in Group C.
Both Osimhen and Ademola Lookman missed key chances in the first half, and Chelle believes that the West African team should have secured a victory before halftime.
“What can I say about the first half? Under normal circumstances, we could have netted 10 goals during that period,” he stated. “Some mistakes were made in our technical skills, and Zimbabwe came in to defend and disrupt our play.
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“When we scored in the second half, we thought it might be over. It’s challenging and tough because my players and team were the stronger side on the field.”
Nigeria currently sits in fourth place, just one point behind the Wasps, but they seem to have minimal chances of winning the group, as South Africa has established a five-point lead over the other teams.
Chelle is aiming for the runners-up position with four matches remaining, and the upcoming matches against Rwanda and Bafana Bafana have gained even greater significance as he aspires to qualify for the global event in Canada, Mexico, and the United States.
“I am very disappointed for my players and for the country because we have the potential to succeed. I’m not aware of the other games, but I believe we can strive for second place,” he concluded.