My Neighborhood Watch #93 - Reporting Events Around us

Nigeria vs Zimbabwe at Godswill Akpabio International Stadium

Good day to all members of the Steem4Nigeria community and keeping the promises, it was my aim to give you a life update of the event but becase of the absence of network in and around the facility, that plan failed.

_{Free ticket for the event}

It was a FIFA world cup qualifiers' match between Nigeria and Zimbabwe, it happened live at the International Stadium in Uyo- named after the current Senate President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Senator Godswill Obot Akpabio.

_{Trooping in to the stadium}

On Tuesday the 25th of March 2025, all roads in Uyo lead to the stadium. The stadium's 30,000 seating capacity was fully used, Fans were very excited to welcome the super eagle team of Nigeria to Uyo the capital city of Akwa Ibom State of Nigeria.
Recall that the match was earlier scheduled to be held on Saturday 22nd March 2025, but was later announced officially by FIFA that the super eagles will first play with Rwanda on Friday 21st March at the Amahoro stadium in Kigali as part of match day five before proceeding to the Godswill Akpabio International stadium on Tuesday 25th March, 2025.

_{I was present among the 30,000 spectators}

Kick-off

The match kick off at exactly 5:00pm Nigeria time. The line up of first 11 were:

Stanley Nwabali
Bright Osayi-Samuel
Ola Aina
William Troost-Ekong
Calvin Bassey
Wilfred Ndidi
Alex Iwobi
Samuel Chukwueze
Moses Simon
Ademola Lookman
Victor Osimhen.

_{line up}

Way into first half and the three-time African champion are yet to secure a place in the qualifier as they have drawn three, loss one and win just one match in the ongoing contest.

The first half of play recorded no goal from either team. Nigeria 0-0 Zimbabwe. Though Nigeria pressured their visitors with a ball possession of 74% to 26%.

Second Half began

The first goal of the match came in the late minutes of the 2nd half at exactly 75 minutes of play. The score board was, Nigeria 1, Zimbabwe 0.

The goal scored by Victor Osimhen through a header was assisted by Ola Aina.

The State Governor of Akwa Ibom State was also among the fans as joy ruptured among the spectators. He is the superfans of the super eagle team as he had shown by purchasing the 30000 tickets from FIFA/CAF for spectators to watch the match free of charge.

After the goal Victor Osimhen was substituted by Victor Boniface in the 87 minute of play. And the whole place rocked again in an odd way.

It was a goaooool!

It is Nigeria 1, Zimbabwe 1.

A late goal by Tawanda Chirewa. assisted by Maswanhise- two newly substituted players, in the 90th minutes leveling things up for the Zimbabwean team. As if this two were their secret weapon.

Despite all the play and tactics by the eagles, the game ended 1-1 draw.

_{Fan for life, the spirit was not broken}

Stay tuned for more football updates, I remain @rubee2as1 reporting from Godswill Akpabio International Stadium, Uyo, Nigeria.

I am Inviting @josepha, @okere-blessing and @bela90