World Cup: Kelechi Iheanacho rescues Nigeria against Zimbabwe

Kelechi Iheanacho scored the equalizing goal to rescue Nigeria from defeat by Zimbabwe in the 2026 World Cup qualifiers encounter.

The 2026 FIFA World Cup qualification matchday-two fixture was played at the Huye Stadium in Rwanda on Sunday, November 19.

This was the 8th meeting between Zimbabwe and Nigeria. Prior to kick-off, the Super Eagles had recorded four victories, 2 draws with the Warriors and one win back in 1981.

Both Countries started the game seeking a first win of the qualifying series.

Walter Musona fired Zimbabwe in front with a powerful free kick from 30-yards out in the 26th minute.

That goal boosted Zimbabwe’s confidence as they took charge of the game, passing the ball around the field to the frustration of the Super Eagles.

The passing-shift continued until the end of 45-minutes at the Huye Stadium in Batuare.

In search of a turnaround, Super Eagles of Nigeria head coach, Jose Peseiro made a triple substitution just before the restart.

Victor Boniface, Kelechi Iheanacho and Bright Osayi-Samuel came-on for the Eagles in place of Frank Onyeka, Nathan Tella and Ola Aina.

The 1-0 half-time score left people of Nigerian persuasion in pain considering the Eagles 1-1 draw on matchday one of the qualification series.

In the 57th minute, Nigeria was awarded a controversial indirect free-kick when the Referee adjudged the Zimbabwe goalie handled the ball twice in his area.

A glorious chance that was, but it came to nothing as Boniface passed to Aribo just in-front of goal but his goal-bound attempt was cleared to safety by the Warriors.

The Super Eagles struggled to find a way past the packed Zimbabwe defence as the clock ticked away.

In the 67th minute, the Super Eagles got a deserved equalizer when Moses Simon set-up Kelechi Iheanacho to fire a left-footed shot into the goal.

That equalizer sparked further attempts from Nigeria who nearly got a second when Moses Simon crossed into the box for Kelechi Iheanacho who missed the final touch.

Zimbabwe sat-back to frustrate the Super Eagles who kept pressing for a winner to no avail.

It finished 1-1. Both countries have thus started their 2026 World Cup qualification series with consecutive draws.