Former Super Eagles defender Abbey George believes both head coach Eric Chelle and his players must share the blame for Nigeria’s frustrating 1-1 draw with Zimbabwe, a result that leaves the country’s 2026 FIFA World Cup qualification hopes in serious jeopardy, Soccernet.ng reports.
After securing a 2-0 win over Rwanda in Kigali, Nigeria had been expected to build momentum with another victory at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium.
Instead, the Super Eagles squandered several clear-cut chances before conceding a late equaliser, dropping two crucial points.
The Super Eagles had ample opportunities to take control of the match, with Victor Osimhen, Moses Simon, Ademola Lookman, Tolu Arokodare, Alex Iwobi, and Wilfred Ndidi all failing to convert key chances.
Despite their wastefulness, Nigeria finally broke the deadlock with 15 minutes left when Arokodare set up Ola Aina, whose pinpoint cross was headed home by Osimhen.
However, rather than see out the win, Nigeria allowed Zimbabwe to snatch an equaliser deep into stoppage time.
A lapse in concentration from Bright Osayi-Samuel, Ndidi, and William Troost-Ekong allowed substitute Tawanda Chirewa to ghost into the box and poke the ball past goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali, who could have done better.
Responsibility taken. Same target ahead. We will do it together! pic.twitter.com/aju2xQAlnc
— William Troost-Ekong (M.O.N) (@WTroostEkong) March 26, 2025
Troost-Ekong, Nigeria’s captain, accepted responsibility for the late goal, but Abbey George insists the blame should not fall on one player alone.
Get Our Sports News First – Join Our WhatsApp Channel Now!
READ MORE
- “How do you expect to qualify?” – Ex-Super Eagles coach slams Nigeria after Zimbabwe setback
- Can Nigeria still qualify for the 2026 FIFA World Cup?
- “No hard feelings” – Lesotho FA breaks silence on Mokoena debacle as Super Eagles long for World Cup boost
What Abbey George said about the Super Eagles
The former Crewe Alexandra star, who was part of Nigeria’s 2004 Africa Cup of Nations bronze-winning squad, believes the entire squad and coaching staff must be held accountable for the disappointing result.
“It was sad to see but the coach and the players have to take responsibility,” George told Brila FM.
The draw means Nigeria has taken just seven points from a possible 18 in the qualifiers, leaving them six points behind Group C leaders South Africa. With only four matches remaining, their chances of automatic qualification now look slim.
Can the Super Eagles still qualify for the 2026 World Cup?
Despite the setback, all hope is not lost. Several factors could still work in Nigeria’s favour.
South Africa currently lead Group C with 13 points, six ahead of Nigeria’s seven. However, that lead could be cut in half if FIFA finds Bafana Bafana guilty of fielding an ineligible player.
South Africa’s Teboho Mokoena reportedly received yellow cards in two separate qualifying matches, which should have ruled him out of their game against Lesotho.
However, he played 82 minutes in that fixture, prompting the Lesotho Football Association to file a complaint with FIFA. If South Africa is found guilty, they could be deducted three points, bringing Nigeria closer to contention.
Even if South Africa suffers a points deduction, Nigeria cannot afford to drop any more points. The Super Eagles are currently behind South Africa, Benin Republic, Rwanda, and potentially Lesotho if FIFA awards them extra points.
To secure qualification, Nigeria must win all four of their remaining matches against Rwanda, South Africa, Lesotho, and Benin Republic. A perfect run would ensure they finish in at least second place, keeping them in contention for a World Cup spot.
CAF’s qualification format for the 2026 World Cup allows for some second-placed teams to reach the tournament via playoffs. The nine group winners qualify automatically, while the four best second-placed teams will enter a playoff for a final ticket.
At present, Gabon (15 points), Namibia (12 points), Mozambique (12 points), and Burkina Faso (11 points) occupy the playoff spots. If Nigeria can secure 12 more points to reach 19, they could have a strong chance of finishing among the best second-placed teams.
