After a morale-boosting 2-0 win over Rwanda on Friday, Nigeria's Super Eagles turn their focus to Zimbabwe in a crucial World Cup qualifier, Soccernet.ng reports.
The three-time African champions are strong favourites to secure back-to-back victories, with the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium in Uyo set to roar them on.
A win could lift Nigeria to second place in Group C — provided other results go their way — a scenario the team cannot afford to let slip.
However, Zimbabwe will not roll over. A loss would end their slim hopes of qualifying for the World Cup, so expect them to put up a fight.
This couple flew in to Uyo in Nigeria to watch the WCQ between Nigeria and Zimbabwe pic.twitter.com/sNnebGss7r
— isemuan_ (@Isemuan_) March 24, 2025
Super Eagles boss Eric Chelle displayed tactical acumen against Rwanda, and another well-executed plan could see his side dominate again. But how will Nigeria line up?
Goalkeeper
For years, goalkeeping was a problem area for the Super Eagles, but Stanley Nwabali has brought stability between the posts.
The Chippa United shot-stopper delivered another assured performance against Rwanda, dealing comfortably with routine saves, organizing the defence, and sweeping up danger when required.
Barring any surprises, Nwabali will retain his spot.
GK: Stanley Nwabali
#SuperEagles goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali receives portrait from Ibom Angels’ goalkeeper, Eche Chinelu.
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-Keeper recognizes Keeper. ️ pic.twitter.com/dtuN4q6RIz
Defence
William Troost-Ekong and Calvin Bassey were rock solid in Kigali, helping Nigeria keep their first clean sheet of the qualifying campaign.
While Jordan Torunarigha and Igoh Ogbu are quality options on the bench, Chelle is likely to stick with his trusted centre-back pairing.
Changes could come at fullback. Bright Osayi-Samuel started at right-back against Rwanda but was stretchered off with an injury. Ola Aina, who began at left-back, was also substituted — though his withdrawal was tactical.
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Bruno Onyemaechi, a natural left-back, replaced Aina and is expected to start there. While Chelle has confirmed that Osayi-Samuel is fit and ready, Aina will likely start and switch to right-back, a role he is well accustomed to.
DF: Ola Aina, William Troost-Ekong, Calvin Bassey, Bruno Onyemaechi
Midfield
Chelle set up Nigeria in a 4-2-2-2 system against Rwanda, with Wilfred Ndidi and Alex Iwobi anchoring midfield. Both players were disciplined in shielding the defence while also driving the team forward.
Raphael Onyedika is an alternative if Chelle wants more physicality, but Iwobi’s intelligence and ability to control the tempo make him difficult to drop.
Further upfield, Ademola Lookman and Samuel Chukwueze were given the creative freedom to roam. Lookman set up Osimhen’s first goal, while Chukwueze assisted the second, justifying their selections.
With that in mind, Chelle is unlikely to tweak his midfield quartet.
MF: Wilfred Ndidi, Alex Iwobi, Samuel Chukwueze, Ademola Lookman
Attack
Victor Osimhen is Nigeria’s undisputed number one striker. The Napoli forward bagged both goals against Rwanda, taking his international tally to 25 — just 12 shy of all-time top scorer Rashidi Yekini.
The real question is: who will partner him?
Moses Simon was preferred in Kigali and put in a solid shift. The Nantes winger won the free kick that led to Osimhen’s first goal and came close to scoring himself, only to be denied by a superb save.
However, Victor Boniface has been sharp in training, and the Bayer Leverkusen forward could get the nod alongside Osimhen. His physical presence and finishing ability could pose a different kind of threat to Zimbabwe’s defence.
CF: Victor Osimhen, Victor Boniface
