World Cup Qualifiers

Nigeria vs Zimbabwe: Clash of Eagles and Warriors – preview and team news

By Mmenyeneabasi Akpan

Posted on March 23, 2025

Head coach of the Zimbabwe national team, Michael Nees, has insisted that Nigeria messed up their 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifying campaign from the start. Nees noted that the Super Eagles have had three different coaches during the qualifiers so far. Finidi George and Austine Eguavoen both coached the Super Eagles in the early stages of the World Cup qualifying campaign before the Nigeria Football Federation, NFF, appointed Eric Chelle as head coach in January. Create a Scorecard in Minutes - Interactive Content Generator scoreapp.com Create a Scorecard in Minutes - Interactive Content Generator Ad Speaking after Sunday’s training session in Uyo, Nees also expressed optimism that his team are ready to turn their campaign around when they face the Super Eagles on Tuesday. “Nigeria are halfway through the campaign. Nigeria, in terms of individual players, are top class, absolutely top class,” Nees told the Warriors media team. “They messed up their campaign in the beginning. This is their third coach in the qualifiers. They won in Rwanda, who have always been a tricky opponent for them. “They will now come with confidence and full strength, looking to turn their campaign around—just as we are.” Nigeria currently sit in fourth position in Group C with six points, while Zimbabwe are bottom of the table with three points.

Nigeria return to Uyo with renewed confidence as they prepare to face Zimbabwe in a crucial 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifier.

After a sluggish start to their campaign, the Super Eagles reignited their hopes with a dominant win over Rwanda, and they now have the chance to build momentum with another victory.

Just a week ago, Nigeria’s World Cup qualification hopes were hanging by a thread. Three draws and a defeat from their first four games left them sitting in fifth place in Group C, trailing South Africa, Rwanda, and Benin.

However, under new head coach Eric Chelle, the Super Eagles produced a vital response in Kigali. Led by Victor Osimhen’s brilliance, Nigeria secured a crucial 2-0 victory over Rwanda, breathing new life into their qualification campaign.

Nigeria are now within striking distance of second place. A win in Uyo—paired with favorable outcomes in other matches—could see them move just behind group leaders South Africa.

Zimbabwe Looking to Play Spoiler

While Nigeria are aiming to climb the table, Zimbabwe arrive in Uyo desperate to turn their fortunes around. The Warriors remain winless in Group C and missed a golden opportunity to move up after being held to a 2-2 draw by Benin in their last outing.

Despite falling 2-0 behind, Zimbabwe showed grit to fight back, with goals from Marshall Munetsi and Knowledge Musona securing a valuable point.

Nigeria return to Uyo with renewed confidence as they prepare to face Zimbabwe in a crucial 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifier.

Zimbabwe national team. ( Photo Credit Getty Images)

Udinese’s Jordan Zemura played a key role, providing two assists, but defensive lapses cost them a potential win.

Against a fired-up Nigerian side in front of a passionate Uyo crowd, Zimbabwe will need a much stronger performance to avoid another setback.

Nigeria vs. Zimbabwe: Head-to-Head

History favors Nigeria in this fixture, as Zimbabwe have never beaten the Super Eagles in a competitive match. Their only victory over Nigeria came in a friendly back in 1981.

Moses simon against warriors Marvelous Nakamba in the 1st leg. (Photo Credit Imago)

Since then, Nigeria have dominated the rivalry, winning four of their last seven meetings, including a commanding 5-1 victory in a 2005 World Cup qualifier.

Their most recent clash, in November 2023, ended in a 1-1 draw, with Kelechi Iheanacho salvaging a point for Nigeria after Walter Musona’s stunning free-kick put Zimbabwe ahead.

Chelle’s Tactical Approach: A New Era for Nigeria

Since their last meeting, Nigeria have undergone major changes—reaching the AFCON final, changing managers multiple times, and now adapting to Chelle’s tactical vision.

The Franco-Malian coach made an immediate impact in Kigali, instilling a high-pressing, attacking system that saw the Super Eagles dominate Rwanda. If Nigeria execute that game plan again in Uyo, Zimbabwe could struggle to cope with their intensity.

Team News: Super Eagles at Full Strength

Nigeria’s squad arrived in Uyo on Saturday, giving them enough time to prepare for the showdown. Zimbabwe also made an early trip to Nigeria to settle in ahead of the clash.

Super Eagles line up against Rwanda in Kigali. ( Photo Credit X)

Chelle is expected to have a full squad at his disposal, though Bright Osayi-Samuel suffered a dead leg against Rwanda. If he is unavailable, Ola Aina could shift to right-back, with Bruno Onyemaechi slotting in at left-back.

CLICK HERE TO JOIN THE ATHLETIC NG WHATSAPP CHANNEL NOW!

Victor Osimhen, despite looking fatigued in Kigali, remains Nigeria’s main attacking threat and should start up front. Ademola Lookman and Moses Simon were impressive against Rwanda, meaning the front three may remain unchanged.

In defense, Calvin Bassey and William Troost-Ekong should retain their places, while Samuel Chukwueze, who provided an assist despite struggling in Kigali, could get another chance to impress.

Final Verdict: A Must-Win for Nigeria

With momentum on their side and home support behind them, Nigeria are favorites to secure all three points. However, Zimbabwe have proven they can fight back from adversity, and they will be eager to frustrate the Super Eagles.

A win for Nigeria would not only boost their qualification hopes but also send a strong message to their Group C rivals that the Super Eagles are back in contention for a spot at the 2026 World Cup.