Zimbabwe battle Nigeria to 1-1 draw in 2026 World Cup qualifier

Zimbabwe battle Nigeria to 1-1 draw in 2026 World Cup qualifier

Zimbabwe battle Nigeria to 1-1 draw in 2026 World Cup qualifier

Super Eagles of Nigeria Zimbabwe Warriors held the Super Eagles of Nigeria to a 1-1 draw in a 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifier on Sunday. The encounter held at Stade Huye in Rwanda, had its share of controversies, ranging from the referee’s decision for a free-kick inside Zimbabwe’s 18-yard box, to a speculated offside goal by the Super Eagles. The deadlock was broken in the 26th minute when Walter Musona fired in a free-kick goal to the dismay of Francis Uzoho, putting Zimbabwe in the lead. It was his first international goal for his country. However, calculated substitutions made by Nigeria’s coach Jose Peseiro, denied the Warriors their first win against the Super Eagles in 42 years.

Zimbabwe battle Nigeria to 1-1 draw in 2026 World Cup qualifier

Super Eagles of Nigeria Kelechi iheanacho who came in just before the second half, drove Moses Simon’s assist into the far corner of Zimbabwe’s post, to give Nigeria the equalizer. The Super Eagles had a less than ideal encounter, with no much poise to fight for goals, as would have been expected, but they remain unbeaten however. Recall the three-time African Chanapions came from behind at the Uyo International Stadium on Thursday, to steal an equalizer against Lesotho. The Super Eagles now have only two points in two games in Group C, and face tough challenge moving on in the qualifiers.

How Chiesa rescued Jorginho’s penalty miss to give Italy win in Euro 2024 qualifier

How Chiesa rescued Jorginho's penalty miss to give Italy win in Euro 2024 qualifier

Federico Chiesa came to the rescue of Jorginho during Italy’s Euro 2024 qualifier against North Macedonia. Chiesa scored a stunning goal just 71 seconds after the midfielder missed yet another penalty for his national team. Jorginho who is now plagued by penalty struggles, faced North Macedonia’s goalkeeper Stole Dimitrievski, who expertly denied the Arsenal midfielder’s attempt. The miss marked Jorginho’s second consecutive penalty woes, having previously missed against Switzerland in the 2022 World Cup qualification.

How Chiesa rescued Jorginho's penalty miss to give Italy win in Euro 2024 qualifier

Federico Chiesa celebrates goal – Getty image However, Italy quickly rebounded from the penalty miss. Chiesa seized the opportunity, smashing home a remarkable goal from the edge of the box, securing Italy’s two-goal lead. Matteo Darmian and Chiesa, again, had earlier given Italy the advantage in the first half. Despite a comeback attempt by North Macedonia’s Jani Atanasov with a brace, Italy maintained control. Late goals from Giacomo Raspadori and Stephan El Shaarawy secured a convincing 5-2 victory. The defeat dashed North Macedonia’s hopes of automatic qualification for Euro 2024. Italy, on the other hand, now sits in a favourable position ahead of their decisive final qualifier against Ukraine. With both teams tied at 13 points, Italy’s superior head-to-head record gives them an edge. A draw in their upcoming match will secure Italy’s qualification, making it a winner-takes-all showdown in Leverkusen. However, the question now arises whether Jorginho will be entrusted with future penalties after his recent struggles.