Super Eagles Stumble Again: Chelle Fumes as Nigeria Drop Crucial Points Against Zimbabwe

The pressure is mounting on Super Eagles head coach Eric Chelle after Nigeria’s shocking 1-1 draw against Zimbabwe in Uyo on Tuesday, a result that leaves their 2026 FIFA World Cup qualification hopes hanging by a thread.

Despite dominating for much of the game, the Super Eagles failed to capitalize on their chances. Victor Osimhen’s 74th-minute goal had seemingly secured a much-needed win, only for Tawanda Chirewa to silence the home crowd with a heartbreaking stoppage-time equalizer.

Chelle, visibly frustrated, did not hold back in his post-match assessment, calling out his team’s wastefulness in front of goal and complacency after taking the lead.

“We could have scored ten goals in the first half! We made mistakes in the final moments, and Zimbabwe defended well,” Chelle fumed.

The result leaves Nigeria languishing in fourth place in Group C with just seven points, a staggering six behind leaders South Africa. With only four matches left, the road to North America now looks perilous.

A Shocking Collapse & A Tough Road Ahead

The Super Eagles were in control for large spells, creating numerous scoring opportunities but failing to convert. Osimhen finally broke the deadlock, sparking hope among fans, but a lapse in concentration in the dying moments proved costly.

Chelle was furious at his players’ attitude after taking the lead.

“When we scored, we thought the game was over. It’s tough because my players were the better team on the pitch,” he lamented.

The Super Eagles’ qualification campaign now teeters on the edge of disaster. Nigeria must navigate a must-win scenario in their remaining fixtures to salvage hopes of securing a second-place finish and a potential playoff spot.

Despite his frustration, Chelle insisted that the fight isn’t over yet.

“I am disappointed for my players and the country, but we will fight for second place.”

Fans & Pundits Demand Urgent Action

With mounting pressure from angry fans and critics, the draw against Zimbabwe is yet another setback in what has been a disjointed and underwhelming qualifying campaign. Questions are now being asked about Chelle’s tactics, squad selections, and whether the Super Eagles can turn things around before it’s too late.

For now, Nigeria’s World Cup dreams remain in limbo. Will the Super Eagles rise to the challenge, or is this the beginning of yet another qualification heartbreak? The next few games will determine their fate.

Ademola Lookman Set for Sensational Atalanta Exit Amid Premier League and Saudi Interest

Red-hot Super Eagles forward, Ademola Lookman, has made a bombshell decision to quit Atalanta at the end of the season, informing his family of his imminent departure. The news, confirmed by top Italian journalist Sacha Tavolieri via Sky Italia, has sent shockwaves through the transfer market.

According to reports, it’s a done deal—Lookman will not wear the Atalanta jersey next season. His fractured relationship with head coach Gian Piero Gasperini, which worsened after his missed penalty against Club Brugge in the Champions League last-16, has accelerated his departure. The Nigerian star has reportedly grown disillusioned with his treatment at the club, particularly in light of Gasperini’s critical remarks in the Italian press.

Lookman has been on the transfer radar for over a year and a half, and his stock remains high, particularly in the Premier League. The London-born forward, who etched his name in Atalanta history with a legendary hat-trick in the UEFA Europa League final against Bayer Leverkusen, feels his contributions have not been adequately recognized in the dressing room.

Despite his dissatisfaction, Lookman has still managed to contribute to 29% of Atalanta’s goals this season, netting 12 times and providing five assists. However, at 27, he is eager to secure a move that matches his ambitions, with major suitors already circling.

Liverpool have taken the first steps in securing his services, viewing him as a potential successor to Mohamed Salah, who could leave in the summer of 2025. Arsenal have also made inquiries but are yet to make concrete moves like the Reds. Meanwhile, Saudi Arabia’s Pro League remains a lucrative option, with Lookman reportedly open to a big-money switch if the right offer comes his way.

As the summer transfer window approaches, the race for Ademola Lookman’s signature is heating up, with European giants and cash-rich Saudi clubs all vying for the Nigerian’s services. One thing is certain—his time at Atalanta is coming to an explosive end, and a high-profile move is on the horizon.

Ademola Lookman and Victor Osimhen Set for Epic Showdown at 2025 Nigeria Pitch Awards

In what promises to be one of the most hotly contested battles in Nigerian football history, reigning African Footballer of the Year and Atalanta forward, Ademola Lookman, is poised to challenge Victor Osimhen, the incumbent holder of the prestigious “King of the Pitch” title at the 2025 Nigeria Pitch Awards.

The much-anticipated nominations were unveiled on Thursday at Bon Hotels, Sobo Arobiodu, Ikeja, Lagos, in a star-studded event organized by Shina Phillips, who vowed to uphold the awards’ tradition of integrity and transparency.

Lookman’s rise to prominence, following his African Footballer of the Year win, has set the stage for an epic duel between the Atalanta forward and Osimhen. The Super Eagles’ goal-scoring sensation and Galatasaray star, Osimhen, is the current record-holder of the “King of the Pitch” award, having claimed the title three consecutive times—making him the only player in the award’s decade-long history to achieve such a feat.

However, Osimhen faces fierce competition, not just from Lookman but also from Williams Troost Ekong, the Super Eagles stand-in captain currently plying his trade at Al-Kholood FC in Saudi Arabia.

The Ultimate Showdown for Nigerian Football Supremacy

Osimhen’s dominance at the 2024 Pitch Awards cemented his legacy as Nigeria’s best forward, but Lookman’s electric form this year has made him a genuine contender. With both stars leading the line for the Super Eagles, fans are eagerly awaiting the outcome of the 2025 edition.

Ademola Olajide, Director of Communication for the Nigeria Football Federation, revealed the nominees for all 18 award categories at the unveiling ceremony. The categories span every facet of Nigerian football, from grassroots development to media excellence.

Key Categories and Nominees

• Goalkeeper of the Year: Maduka Okoye (Undize, Italy); Stanley Nwabali (Chippa United, South Africa); Kayode Bankole (Remo Stars, Nigeria).
• Defender of the Year: Calvin Bassey (Fulham FC, England); Ola Aina (Nottingham Forest, England); Williams Troost Ekong (Al-Kholood FC, Saudi Arabia).
• Midfielder of the Year: Wilfred Ndidi (Leicester City, England); Alex Iwobi (Fulham FC, England); Frank Onyeka (FC Augsburg, Germany).
• Striker of the Year: Victor Osimhen (Galatasaray, Turkey); Victor Boniface (Bayer Leverkusen, Germany); Ademola Lookman (Atalanta, Italy).
• Coach of the Year: Daniel Ogunmodede (Remo Stars); Moses Adukwu (Edo Queens FC); Fidelis Ilechukwu (Rangers International FC).

The Queen of the Pitch award will also be hotly contested, with Asisat Oshoala (Bay FC, U.S.), Rasheedat Ajibade (Atletico de Madrid Femenino, Spain), and Chiamaka Nnadozie (Paris FC, France) all vying for the honor.

Other notable categories include Sam Okwaraji Award (for outstanding contribution to football), Football-Friendly Governor of the Year, and State with the Best Grassroots Development Program, showcasing Nigeria’s commitment to football at every level.

A Celebration of Nigerian Football Excellence

With the Nigeria Pitch Awards growing in prestige each year, all eyes are now on the ceremony to see who will claim the coveted “King of the Pitch” title. The rivalry between Lookman and Osimhen has already captured the nation’s imagination, and football fans are bracing for an unforgettable showdown.

Stay tuned for more updates as Nigeria’s football elite prepare for the most anticipated awards ceremony of the year.