Nigeria head coach, Eric Chelle, believes the Super Eagles could finish as runners-up in Group C following his side's disappointing home draw against Zimbabwe on Tuesday, March 26.

The Warriors of Zimbabwe held the Super Eagles to a 1-1 draw at the Godswill Akpabio Stadium to dent Nigeria's hopes of securing the FIFA World Cup qualification ticket.

In-form Galatasaray striker Victor Osimhen broke the deadlock in the 74th minute before Tawanda Chirewa equalized for Zimbabwe in stoppage time.

The result leaves Nigeria in fourth place with seven points, six points behind group leaders Bafana Bafana of South Africa, who defeated Benin 2-0 in Abidjan.

Rwanda and Benin occupy second and third places respectively in Group C, with eight points each.

Lesotho sits just behind Nigeria in fifth place with six points, while Zimbabwe remains bottom of the group with four points.

Speaking in a post-match reaction, Malian tactician, Chelle, stated that his side can finish in second place in the group.

“I am so disappointed for my players, for the country, because we couldn’t do it [win against Zimbabwe]. I don’t know the result of the other game, but I know we can go as second best.”

WDN