The Super Eagles of Nigeria are set to face Zimbabwe in the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers at the Huye Stadium in Zimbabwe, Soccernet.ng reports.
Superstars like Victor Osimhen, Taiwo Awoniyi, Samuel Chukwueze and Paul Onuachu are absent from the team that travelled to Zimbabwe today, but coach Peseiro still has an arsenal of talents to pick from to fight against Zimbabwe.
Here are five key players to keep an eye on during the match:
Victor Osimhen is unavailable due to an injury. Awoniyi travelled back to England after a groin problem, leaving the Super Eagles frontline open for the Bayer Leverkusen forward to make his mark in a Nigerian jersey. Arguably the country’s most in-form player at the moment, Peseiro will need Boniface to be at his best if the Super Eagles will leave Stade Huye with all three points.
Back from an injury, and back amongst the goals. The West Bromwich-Albion centre-back came up with Nigeria’s equalizer last time out and is fast becoming a very important player for club and country. The 30-year-old’s experience will come in handy tomorrow as the Super Eagles take on the Warriors of Zimbabwe.
The Leverkusen winger was unable to make his debut at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium on Thursday but will be hoping he finds favour in Peseiro’s face in Zimbabwe. The 24-year-old scored a screamer to celebrate his Nigerian call-up and will be desperate to make his mark as soon as he kicks the ball.
The Brentford midfielder played a vital role in Uyo, playing as a lone defensive midfielder, and helping the team make progressive carries into the opposition box. With his partner, Iwobi, playing in an advanced position, the 25-year-old will have to prove he can be counted on to fill in for the injured Wilfred Ndidi.
Jose Peseiro prefers to play two strikers up-front, and with Moffi coming on for Awoniyi in the last game, he’ll most likely start beside Victor Boniface tomorrow, and with space up for grabs for the upcoming 2024 AFCON tournament, the OGC Nice forward will be desperate to impress.
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There is every possibility Nigeria might not qualify to the World Cup again. Super Eagles' performance against Lesotho was so disappointing. Where are the so-called super stars playing in European Leagues? Could you imagine 90% of Lesotho's players are home based. I doubt if Nigeria can beat South Africa ,Zimbabwe or Benin Republic There is need for total overhaul of football management in Nigeria to start with.