As Nigeria gear up to host Zimbabwe in a crucial 2026 World Cup qualifier at the Godswill Akpabio Stadium, the Super Eagles find themselves in a must-win situation.
A victory would keep the former African champions firmly in contention for a top finish in Group C, but standing in their way is a Zimbabwean side desperate to keep their own faint qualification hopes alive.
While the Super Eagles enter this match on the back of a morale-boosting 2-0 win over Rwanda, Zimbabwe’s recent 2-2 draw against Benin showed their fighting spirit. And make no mistake — Michael Nees’s men are coming to Uyo with a point to prove.
Here’s why Zimbabwe could pose a real threat to Nigeria today.
❗️M A T C H D A Y!
— Soccernet.ng (@soccernet_ng) March 25, 2025
⚽️ Nigeria Zimbabwe
Tuesday, 25th March 2025
⏱ 5:00 PM
Godswill Akpabio International Stadium, UYO
2026 WCQ #letsdoitagain pic.twitter.com/J8ZdTk7AG6
1. It’s a do-or-die game for Zimbabwe
Zimbabwe sit bottom of Group C with just three points. If they lose today, their hopes of qualifying for their first-ever World Cup will be all but over.
But if they manage an upset in Uyo, they will climb level on points with Nigeria and potentially move off the foot of the table — depending on results elsewhere.
This makes the Warriors dangerous. They have nothing to lose, and teams with their backs against the wall can often be the most unpredictable.
Nigeria, with six points, will be eager to leapfrog Rwanda and Benin into second place behind South Africa. But they must be wary of a Zimbabwean side that will throw everything at this fixture in search of a lifeline.
2. Zimbabwe have quality players who can hurt Nigeria
The Warriors might not have the star power of Nigeria, but they do have individuals capable of turning a game on its head.
One of them is Udinese star Jordan Zemura. The dynamic full-back, who was born in England, made history as the first Zimbabwean to play in Serie A. He displayed his attacking quality last week, providing two assists in the comeback draw against Benin.
If Nigeria’s wingers and full-backs aren’t switched on, Zemura could cause havoc down the flanks.
HISTORY!
— Undisputed️ (@Mr_Tich) February 18, 2024
Warrriors player Jordan Zemura has become the first Zimbabwean to score in Serie A.
Zemura opened the scoring for Udinese with a rocket of a shot into the top corner. pic.twitter.com/zLHueomgGN
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There is also Wolverhampton Wanderers ace Marshall Munetsi. The versatile midfielder is the most valuable player in Zimbabwe’s squad at €15 million. Strong, intelligent, and comfortable in possession, Munetsi is a box-to-box presence who could disrupt Nigeria’s midfield rhythm.
Not to forget Al Okhdood of Saudi Arabia's talisman Knowledge Musona. A veteran of the Zimbabwean national team, Musona remains a lethal finisher.
With 26 international goals, he is the highest-scoring player in this squad and has experience in top European leagues with Hoffenheim and Anderlecht. He scored against Benin last time out, and Nigeria must not allow him space in and around the penalty area.
3. Zimbabwe’s resilience cannot be underestimated
One thing is certain — Zimbabwe do not know when they are beaten. Their ability to fight back from adversity has been evident in recent games.
Against Benin, they found themselves 2-0 down in the first half but dug deep to rescue a 2-2 draw. But their resilience goes beyond a single match.
“The pressure is on the #SuperEagles, not us.” – Zimbabwe National Team captain Marshall Munetsi ⚔️
— Soccernet.ng (@soccernet_ng) March 24, 2025
[: AISHEART] pic.twitter.com/oszJVndwLW
Zimbabwe’s football has endured turmoil over the past decade, with two FIFA suspensions nearly derailing their progress. Yet, against the odds, they qualified for the upcoming Africa Cup of Nations.
In that qualification campaign, they pulled off notable results, including a draw against Cameroon and back-to-back wins over Namibia.
This is a team that keeps pushing, no matter the circumstances. Nigeria must be prepared to fight for 90 minutes because the Warriors will not go down without a battle.
4. Zimbabwe have a smart and experienced manager
West German-born Michael Nees has been at the helm since 2024 and has already made a significant impact, guiding Zimbabwe to AFCON qualification.
Nees, 57, is no stranger to African football. His extensive coaching career has taken him across Europe, Asia, and Africa, including stints with Israel, Kosovo, Seychelles, Rwanda, South Africa, and Japan.
His vast knowledge of different playing styles makes Zimbabwe tactically flexible — an asset that could trouble Nigeria.
In contrast, Nigeria’s head coach, Eric Chelle, is still relatively inexperienced at international level. Nees has been in football management for over 25 years, while Chelle is only in his third year of international coaching. The tactical battle on the touchline could be pivotal.
While Chelle’s debut victory over Rwanda was promising, he faces a different kind of test against a well-drilled Zimbabwe side that will be difficult to break down.
Soccernet.ng's verdict: Nigeria must be wary
Nigeria may be the favourites, but Zimbabwe are no pushovers. Their desperation for points, the individual brilliance of players like Zemura and Munetsi, their never-say-die attitude, and the tactical nous of Nees make them a dangerous opponent.
If the Super Eagles underestimate the Warriors, they could find themselves in trouble. Chelle’s side must be focused, disciplined, and clinical in front of goal. With World Cup qualification on the line, there is no room for complacency.
Will Nigeria rise to the occasion, or will Zimbabwe pull off a shock in Uyo? One thing is certain — this will be a battle to remember.
