Nigeria Super Eagles. Photo Credit X
After a crucial 2-0 victory over Rwanda in Kigali on Friday, Nigeria return to Uyo with a chance to secure consecutive wins in their World Cup qualifying campaign against Zimbabwe, Soccernet.ng reports.
Heading into the March international break, the Super Eagles’ hopes of reaching the 2026 FIFA World Cup looked bleak.
A disappointing start — three draws and a defeat in their first four games — had left Nigeria fifth in Group C, trailing Rwanda, Benin, and South Africa, who all had seven points.
Under new head coach Eric Chelle, the Super Eagles knew anything less than a win in Rwanda would all but end their qualification hopes. And when the pressure was on, Nigeria delivered — Victor Osimhen’s brilliance leading them to a much-needed victory.
That result has reshaped the group dynamics. With only South Africa winning elsewhere, Nigeria are now within striking distance of second place. A win in Uyo, combined with favourable results, could see them move just behind Bafana Bafana in the standings.
Zimbabwe, however, arrive in Nigeria determined to spoil the party. The Warriors had a golden opportunity to climb off the bottom of Group C in their clash with Benin Republic on Thursday but were held to a 2-2 draw.
After trailing 2-0, Michael Nees’s side showed resilience, with goals from Marshall Munetsi and Knowledge Musona salvaging a point. Udinese wingback Jordan Zemura was instrumental, providing both assists.
However, Zimbabwe will need much more to trouble the Super Eagles in Uyo.
Zimbabwe are one of the few African nations yet to defeat Nigeria in a competitive match.
The Warriors’ only win over the Super Eagles came in a 2-0 friendly triumph back in 1981. Since then, Nigeria have gone unbeaten in seven meetings, winning four and drawing three.
One of the most memorable encounters was in 2005, when Nigeria thrashed Zimbabwe 5-1 in a World Cup qualifier. Ironically, both teams failed to qualify for the tournament as Angola edged them to the ticket.
Their most recent meeting, in November 2023, ended in a 1-1 draw, with Kelechi Iheanacho rescuing a point for Nigeria after Walter Musona’s stunning free-kick had given Zimbabwe the lead.
Since then, Nigeria have undergone major changes — reaching the AFCON final, changing managers multiple times, and now settling under Franco-Malian coach Eric Chelle.
Chelle’s tactical blueprint was evident in Kigali — high pressing, more attacking intent, and collective defending. If Nigeria execute that plan again in Uyo, Zimbabwe could be in for a tough night.
Nigeria’s squad arrived in Uyo on Saturday, giving them two full days of preparation. Zimbabwe have also made an early trip to Nigeria.
Chelle is expected to have a full squad available, although Bright Osayi-Samuel suffered a dead leg against Rwanda. If unfit, Ola Aina will shift to right-back, allowing Bruno Onyemaechi to start at left-back.
Osimhen, despite looking fatigued in Kigali, should be back at full throttle. Alongside him, Ademola Lookman and Moses Simon impressed in attack, meaning Chelle could stick with the same front line.
In defence, Calvin Bassey and William Troost-Ekong are expected to retain their places. Samuel Chukwueze struggled to adapt to Chelle’s system in Rwanda but provided the assist for Osimhen’s second goal, which could earn him another start.
With the quality at their disposal, Nigeria enter this clash as clear favourites to secure another win and boost their qualification hopes.
Nigeria (4-4-2): Nwabali; Aina, Ekong, Bassey, Onyemaechi; Ndidi, Iwobi, Simon, Chukwueze; Lookman, Osimhen.
Zimbabwe (4-2-3-1): Arubi; Jalai, Garan’anga, Takwara, Lunga; Rinomhota, Munetsi; Zemura, Billiat, Musona; Chirewa
Nigeria’s confidence is soaring after their victory over Rwanda, and they know anything less than a win against Zimbabwe could undo their progress.
The Warriors, meanwhile, are struggling — winning just one of their last 23 World Cup qualifiers, a dreadful run dating back to 2008. Even worse, they haven’t won an away World Cup qualifier since 2004.
Nigeria have had slip-ups at home in recent years — losing to Rwanda, Guinea-Bissau, and the Central African Republic — but Chelle’s side appear to have new momentum.
Expect a dominant performance from the Super Eagles, with a high-scoring win the most likely outcome.
