The Super Eagles of Nigeria take on the Warriors of Zimbabwe in their sixth game of the 2026 FIFA World Cup Qualifiers at the Godswill Akpabio Stadium in Uyo on Tuesday.
Nigeria won their last game against Rwanda last Friday, but they are condemned to beat Zimbabwe if they want to qualify for the next World Cup.
The Warriors have not been doing well in Group C, as they sit rock-bottom, with three points after five games. Hence, they will put their all into the game to ensure they claim all three points in Nigeria.
The Warriors are fresh off a dramatic 2-2 draw against Benin. And if coach Eric Chelle watched that game, they will know that they have to be meticulous in how they approach the game.
In this piece, Soccernet.ng spotlights four Zimbabwean players, who could pose issues to the Super Eagles.
1. Marshall Munetsi
The Wolves midfielder is the most valuable player in the Warriors' squad at €15 million. In fact, he's arguably the biggest best players that has come out of Zimbabwe.
Munetsi has momentum on his side, as he has been impressive for Wolves this season. He took that fine form into the international break and scored against Benin last week.
The 28-year-old is very mobile and could pose a problem for Nigeria's midfielders if they do not put in the extra work. At six-foot-two, he has a strong presence and carries an aerial threat.
If Eric Chelle can take him out of the game, Zimbabwe would surely struggle.
2. Jordan Zemura
Zemura is also another important player for Zimbabwe. Although he plays as a wing-back for Udinese, he plays as a winger for Zimbabwe, meaning that aside from him attacking duties, he would also be willing to support the backline.
Zemura is a quick and willing runner. And just like Munetsi, he has momentum as he supplied the two assists for Zimbabwe's goals in their 2-2 draw against Benin.
Ola Aina will have his work cut out for him, as Zemura is a good dribbler. The Super Eagles should also be wary of conceding freekicks, as Zemura poses a threat in those situations.
3. Knowledge Musona
The Super Eagles need to be wary of the Al Okhdood star when they meet on Tuesday. Musona will enter the game as the player with the most international goals, as he has 26. He is the all-time highest goalscorer for Zimbabwe.
He also has experience playing at the top, as he has played for clubs like Hoffenheim and Anderlecht.
Musona scored for Zimbabwe in their last game against Benin, so he also has some momentum. He is strong, is adept at hold-up play, and can also dribble. So William Troost-Ekong and Calvin Bassey would have to be careful with how they defend.
4. Khama Billiat
Billiat is the second highest goalscorer for Zimbabwe with 16 goals. He played his first game of the qualifiers last time out against Benin. And even though he did not score or assist he put the Benin defence on their feet.
If the Nigerian defence line loses concentration, the 34-year-old could pounce.
The Zimbabwean team is a mixture of old and young talents. And they are always full of running.
The Super Eagles will have to fight if they want all three points from the fixture.
