Nigeria’s failure to secure a victory in their crucial 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifier against Zimbabwe has drawn scathing criticism from former Super Eagles coach Johannes Bonfrère.
Bonfrère, who was part of Nigeria’s coaching staff during their golden era in the 1990s, expressed his deep frustration over the team’s disappointing 1-1 draw against Zimbabwe in Uyo.
“How do you expect to qualify for the World Cup if you don’t win games?” Bonfrère asked pointedly. “In the past, if we didn’t beat Zimbabwe 3-0 or 4-0, the fans would throw stones at us.”
Bonfrère lamented Nigeria’s inability to dominate a team they once brushed aside with ease, citing the huge number of Super Eagles players in top European leagues as a reason for his disappointment.
“A 1-1 draw with Zimbabwe is unacceptable,” he said. “I don’t see how they can qualify for the World Cup, except maybe through the play-offs.”
Bonfrère raised concerns over the team’s tactical approach and lack of ruthlessness in front of goal, questioning whether the coach had enough information on Zimbabwe and whether the players failed to execute the game plan.
The draw has left Nigeria’s qualification hopes in serious jeopardy, with the team trailing South Africa, Rwanda, and Benin in Group C. With only four matches remaining, Nigeria faces an uphill battle to keep their World Cup hopes alive.