Nigeria over the years have been one of the football forces in Africa and have proved same on field in many competitions although they have always had it very difficult against Ghana their brothers.

The battle for supremacy between these two nations have been one they goes way back and still remain. Nigeria in their bid to represent Africa at the FIFA world cup as one of the five teams have to go through South Africa, Rwanda, Benin, Lesotho and Zimbabwe.

Many football lovers would quickly predict the Super Eagles would either be on top of their world cup qualifiers group or be sharing points with South Africa but the narrative has been diffierent.

South Africa after six (6) games sit comfortably at the top of the group with 13 points while Rwanda follows with 8 points. Nigeria had the chance to go into second place with should they collect maximum points in their game against Zimbabwe who sit at bottom of the table.

It was a game of tales to tell as Zimbabwe did not allow Nigeria walk over them although they had nothing to lose.

The game crucial match that was hosted in Oyo in Nigeria was a must win for the hosts to give them any hopes of qualification and Victor Osimhen who has been prolific in the Turkish league and for Nigeria opened the Super Eagles in the 74th minute.

This was an almost done deal, with four attackers on the field for Nigeria who needed a crucial win it was almost right until Osimhen requested to be substituted in the later minutes of the game.

On a normal day, any team with a loan goal lead would succumb pressure for the losing side and this was the story with Nigeria whose midfield was wobbly allowing Zimbabwe to rally ahead without fear.

Nigeria on the night had opportunities that could have put the game to bed early but squandered it all. Zimbabwe who had only their reputation to maintain went all out and in style, Tawanda Chirewa in stoppage time dribbled past the Nigerian defence and fired one past Nwabali to clinch a point for the visitors.

This did not sit well for Victor who had given his all and dreamed of the FIFA world cup. With his dreams shattering right before his eyes, he fumes and wasn’t consolable as videos of the game showed.

The Nigerian talisman walked off the pitch as Boniface tried to calm him but all efforts proved futile. His facial expression and hand gestures of snub meant everything he wanted to communicate to his teammates.

A hope of world football crumbling before his eyes, a glitt of exposure to the world with his nation dying slowly with little to no remedy.