Christian Obiozor headed home Nigeria’s winner with five minutes left to play as the Warriors defence failed to clear Ejike Uzoenyi’s cross.
The ill-tempered game saw the Super Eagles whose wings were clipped against the Black Stars of Ghana in the semi final began the game with the intent of getting the early goal by dominating possession right from the referee’s blast of the whistle while the Zimbabweans seem content sitting on defence.
Stephen Keshi’s men had the first chance at goal in the fifth minute as Ibrahim raced down the right side of the Warriors defence but Pyagbara failed to score from 10 yards as the opponents failed to clear their line.
Few minutes later, Zimbabwe grew in confidence and almost got the lead. Mahachi profited from a counterattack, ran down the right side of the Eagles defence, crossed to the near post but there weren’t players in the penalty area to take advantage.
However, the biggest highlight came in the 16th minute as Zimbabwe’s Mambare was sent off for a dangerous play. The Warriors striker failed in his attempt to connect to an in-flight ball but decided to hit Chigozie Agbim with his foot raised high.
Even at this numerical disadvantage, Nigeria failed to break down the defence of the opponent as Ian Gorowa’s men looked rock solid at the rear coupled with great goalkeeping skills by goalkeeper Chigova.
The West Africans continued in the ascendancy, and were somehow kept out by a supreme double save from Chigova. Shehu knocked capitalised on a neat pass to launch a stinging effort at the Zimbabwe captain, who produced a world-class stop to keep the Warriors in the game.
