After a solid 2-0 victory over Rwanda, Nigeria will look to build momentum in their 2026 FIFA World Cup qualification campaign when they face Zimbabwe on Tuesday in Uyo.
On paper, this should be a straightforward task for the Super Eagles. Zimbabwe, yet to win a match in the qualifiers, have drawn three times—0-0 against Rwanda, 1-1 against Nigeria in the first leg, and 2-2 against Benin Republic.
However, with South Africa leading the group with 10 points, Eric Chelle’s side knows that dropping points at home is not an option.
Having missed out on the last World Cup in Qatar after their playoff defeat to Ghana, the Super Eagles must seize this opportunity to strengthen their qualification hopes.
Nigeria’s Recent Form & Head-to-Head Record
The Super Eagles come into this game on the back of a commanding win over Rwanda, where Victor Osimhen’s brace secured Nigeria’s first victory in the qualifiers.
A win on Tuesday would put them in a strong position ahead of the next international break.
Historically, Nigeria holds the upper hand in this fixture. The only time Zimbabwe defeated the Super Eagles was in an international friendly back in 1981.
In eight meetings, Nigeria has won four times, drawn three, and lost once. One of the most memorable encounters came in 2005 when Nigeria thrashed Zimbabwe 5-1 in a World Cup qualifier.
Team News
Nigeria
The Super Eagles held a closed training session on Sunday evening and will have their final session on Monday.
Eric Chelle is expected to have a full squad available, although Bright Osayi-Samuel remains a doubt after suffering a dead leg against Rwanda.
If unfit, Ola Aina could shift to right-back, with Bruno Onyemaechi stepping in at left-back.
Chelle deployed a 4-4-2 diamond formation in the last match and is likely to stick with the system, though minor changes in personnel may occur.
Zimbabwe
The Warriors arrived in Nigeria on Saturday, just a few hours after the Super Eagles.
Head coach Michael Nees is likely to stick with the 4-2-3-1 formation used against Benin. Khama Billiat, who recently became Zimbabwe’s joint-third most capped player with 57 appearances, is on the verge of surpassing Adam Ndlovu.
Meanwhile, Knowledge Musona, who has 25 international goals, will look to add to his tally as he continues his chase of Peter Ndlovu’s all-time record of 37 goals.
Match Prediction
Nigeria must start with high intensity, press Zimbabwe from the opening whistle.
Given their superior squad quality and home advantage, the Super Eagles should secure a comfortable victory.
Prediction: Nigeria 3-1 Zimbabwe.
Match Details
Competition: CAF World Cup Qualifiers (Matchday 6)
Fixture: Nigeria vs Zimbabwe
Venue: Godswill Akpabio International Stadium, Uyo
Date: Tuesday, March 25, 2025
Kickoff Time: 5 PM (Nigerian Time)
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