2026 FIFA World Cup qualifier: Nigeria’s Super Eagles to face Zimbabwe in Rwanda amid venue controversy

The Zimbabwe Football Association (ZIFA) has reportedly settled on Rwanda as its home ground for the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers, Soccernet.ng understands. 

Aiming to qualify for their first-ever World Cup, Zimbabwe will battle it out with Nigeria, South Africa, Rwanda, Lesotho, and Benin for the group’s solitary ticket.

Initially eyeing South Africa, ZIFA has decided to play their qualifying matches in one of the approved stadiums in Kigali.

This decision comes after CAF rejected Zimbabwe’s bid to use the Harare stadium for the qualifiers.

Zimbabwe’s upcoming clash against the Super Eagles of Nigeria on November 20 will now take place in Kigali, reflecting the new arrangement.

The Super Eagles and the Warriors are grouped alongside Rwanda, Lesotho, Benin, and South Africa in the qualifiers.

Govt unaware Warriors will host Nigeria in Rwanda

However, a senior Zimbabwean government official has claimed unaware of ZIFA’s plans to host Nigeria in Rwanda next month for the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers.

The development arose following CAF and FIFA’s declaration that the country’s stadiums are not fit to host international matches.

As per NewZimbabwe (via Pindula), Zimbabwe Deputy Minister of Sports Arts and Culture Emily Jesaya has emphasised the Ministry’s lack of official information, highlighting the recent lifting of the ban by FIFA.

While affirming the nation’s readiness to compete internationally, she acknowledged the inability to host soccer matches within the country.

Zimbabwe’s World Cup qualifying campaign commences with an away game against Rwanda on November 13, followed by the anticipated home encounter against Nigeria.