After a disappointing 1-1 draw with Zimbabwe in a 2026 World Cup qualifier on Tuesday, members of Nigeria’s Super Eagles squad have begun their return to their respective clubs. The draw at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium in Uyo has left the team in a precarious position, with their World Cup hopes hanging in the balance.
Several players, including those based in the U.K like Ola Aina, Alex Iwobi, and Calvin Bassey, were spotted at the airport early Wednesday morning, ready to jet out after the international break. Genk forward Tolu Arokodare was also seen preparing for his departure. With the domestic season winding down, many of the Super Eagles players will now focus on finishing their club duties before the next international break in September, when the 2025/2026 campaign resumes.
The 1-1 draw with Zimbabwe saw Victor Osimhen open the scoring in the 74th minute, before Tawanda Chirewa leveled the score for Zimbabwe in the dying moments of the game. The late equalizer has significantly complicated Nigeria’s qualification for the 2026 World Cup, leaving them with a tough road ahead.
Despite the setback, Coach Eric Chelle’s side remains hopeful and is scheduled to play two friendly matches in June, against Russia and Ghana. Although the specific dates for the friendlies are yet to be confirmed, the matches will serve as critical preparation for the Super Eagles’ next World Cup qualifiers.
In September, Nigeria will host Rwanda in Uyo before traveling to South Africa for a vital match in the 2026 qualifiers. With the stakes higher than ever, the Super Eagles will need to regroup, sharpen their focus, and deliver strong performances in their remaining matches if they are to secure a place at next year’s World Cup.
The team’s immediate future will depend on the next set of qualifiers, and the results in these friendlies will be crucial for boosting morale and refining tactics ahead of their crucial encounters. As the players head back to their clubs, the pressure is on for Coach Chelle and the Super Eagles to turn their World Cup dreams into reality.
