After another lackluster performance against Zimbabwe in the 2026 World Cup qualifier, some fans have once again criticized the Super Eagles, labeling their display as a disgraceful outing. Jose Peseiro's team struggled to a 1-1 draw against the Warriors in the second game of the qualifiers.
The draw leaves the Eagles with just two points out of a possible six, having drawn their first game against a lowly-ranked Lesotho side at the Godswill Akpabio Stadium in Uyo on Thursday.
Despite making six changes from the side that drew with the Crocodiles, including handing a debut to Nathan Tella, and featuring Ola Aina, Bruno Onyemaechi, Joe Aribo, Moses Simon, and Terem Moffi in the Starting XI, the alterations failed to impact the team's fortunes significantly.
Unlike their dominant performance against Lesotho, the Eagles were on the back foot. In the 15th minute, they had a good chance to score, but debutant Tella failed to deliver a quality cross, and Zimbabwe cleared their lines.
Peseiro's continued faith in Francis Uzoho backfired when Walter Musona's 35-yard free-kick beat the goalkeeper in the 26th minute, giving the Warriors a lead. Despite halftime changes by the Portuguese tactician, introducing Bright Osayi-Samuel, Kelechi Iheanacho, and Victor Boniface, the Eagles struggled to find their rhythm.
Iheanacho eventually equalized in the 67th minute, but the Eagles couldn't secure a winning goal despite nine additional minutes of play after regulation time. The Zimbabweans held their ground well to claim another point.
In response to the disappointing performance, fans took to social media to express their frustration. Content creator Omotayo of Lagos stated, "Zero shame and ambition; sack that nonsense coach." David Simi added, "You guys are not ashamed; better sack that man called a coach." Sorochi Akawor rhetorically asked, "Una no get shame like this?" Alagbe Samson believed the Eagles could have lost the game if their opponents were more clinical.
He said, "Zimbabwe wasted some chances towards the end of the match, including an open net chance. The last match I remember against Zimbabwe was a 5-0 win at Abuja in Germany's 2006 World Cup Qualifiers. Angola pipped Nigeria to the ticket on head-to-head rules. The coaching crew should prepare the team better for the next round of matches." Clement Mbanugo jokingly tweeted, "The calculator price will increase because of Super Eagles fans. Let me go and use my heart for something meaningful."
