Former Super Eagles coach Johannes Bonfrère has criticized Nigeria’s disappointing performance after a frustrating 1-1 draw against Zimbabwe in their 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifier in Uyo.

Bonfrère, who was part of Nigeria’s coaching team during the country’s golden era—winning the 1994 AFCON, securing Olympic gold in 1996, and qualifying for their first World Cup—expressed disbelief at how far the team has fallen.

Speaking to Complete Sports from his home in the Netherlands, the Dutchman questioned the team’s ability to secure World Cup qualification if they continue to drop points against weaker opponents.

“How do you expect to qualify 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. With so many Super Eagles players in top European leagues, a 1-1 draw with Zimbabwe is unacceptable.”

Despite Victor Osimhen’s second-half goal raising hopes of a much-needed victory, a late equalizer from Zimbabwe’s Tawanda Chirewa dashed Nigeria’s chances, leaving their qualification hopes hanging by a thread.

Bonfrère also questioned the team’s tactical approach and lack of clinical finishing. “Did the coach have enough information on Zimbabwe? Did he use the wrong tactics? Or did the players fail to execute the plan? If the attackers had finished their chances, Zimbabwe’s goal wouldn’t have mattered.”

The result leaves Nigeria in fourth place in Group C with seven points—six points behind leaders South Africa—making automatic qualification increasingly uncertain with only four matches remaining.