The Super Eagles of Nigeria have received a significant boost in their quest for a spot at the 2026 FIFA World Cup after Zimbabwe held Benin to a 2-2 draw in their latest qualifier match.
Knowledge Musona had the last laugh in Zimbabwe and Benin’s latest Group C, 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifier, as the two nations played to a 2-2 draw at the Moses Mabhida Stadium on Thursday night.
Following a slow start to the game, Benin managed to take the lead in the 11th minute after capitalizing on a costly error by Washington Arubi. In at attempt to clear the ball with a short-lofted pass, Dodu Dokou intercepted Arubi’s effort before finding Steve Mounie, who placed the ball into an empty net.
Benin then doubled their advantage moments after the half-hour mark, following great interplay inside the box by Dokou and Junior Olaitan. After a slick one-two passing move en-route to goal, Dokou went from provider to scorer with a well-taken effort from the middle of the area.
Not sitting back, Zimbabwe fired one back shortly before the break courtesy of a strike by captain Marshall Munetsi. Jordan Zemura, who expertly brought the ball down in the 18-yard-area, played the ball back into a play, which was subsequently found by Munetsi who slotted the ball into the roof of the net.
It was all action from Zimbabwe after the restart and levelled matters in the 58th minute via a clinical effort by Knowledge Musona. After being played through on goal following a set-piece scenario, Musona’s first time hit caught the opposition goalkeeper off guard at his near post.
This result plays in favor of Nigeria, as it keeps their qualification hopes alive by preventing Benin from gaining an upper hand in the group. With every point vital in the race to the World Cup, the Super Eagles now have an improved chance of securing their ticket to the prestigious tournament as they will face Rwanda tomorrow.
Nigeria will look to capitalize on this development in their upcoming matches as they continue their push for World Cup qualification. Fans remain hopeful that the team will seize the opportunity and deliver strong performances in their remaining fixtures.
