The Super Eagles of Nigeria will aim to build on their emphatic victory over Rwanda when they take on Zimbabwe in a crucial 2026 World Cup qualifier at the Godswill Akpabio Stadium in Uyo today.
Nigeria secured a vital 2-0 win over Rwanda at the Amahoro Stadium in Kigali last Friday, breaking a 20-year winless streak in the East African nation. The result revived their hopes in the qualification series, moving them from fifth to fourth place with six points.
Despite the much-needed victory, the three-time African champions know they cannot afford to drop any more points. Team captain William Troost-Ekong emphasized the importance of securing another win.
“We are looking forward to a win. The three points are important to us. At this stage, we cannot afford to drop any more points,” Ekong said. “Our aim is to take it one match at a time, collect three points here and there, and hope fervently that these will be enough to get us the ticket.”
New head coach Eric Chelle, who replaced Finidi George after a disappointing start to the campaign, has injected fresh energy into the team. His tenure began with Friday’s victory, offering renewed optimism for qualification.
Star striker Victor Osimhen, who missed previous qualifiers amid controversy over his commitment, returned with a bang, scoring both goals against Rwanda. The reigning African Footballer of the Year is expected to lead the attack once again.
“We are ready. The remaining matches are wars, and we must fight them with all that we have to win,” Osimhen stated.
With six points, Nigeria trails second-placed Benin Republic by just two points and group leaders South Africa by four, making today’s fixture a must-win.
This will be the fourth World Cup qualifier between Nigeria and Zimbabwe. The Super Eagles have won two of their previous three encounters, but the last meeting ended in a 1-1 draw.
Zimbabwe, still searching for their first win in the qualifiers, showed resilience in their last outing, coming from two goals down to draw 2-2 with Benin. However, they have struggled defensively, conceding a group-high eight goals. Their backline will be tested by Nigeria’s attacking duo of Osimhen and Ademola Lookman.
FIFA has appointed Eritrean referee Teklu Mogos Tsegay to officiate the match, assisted by compatriots, while Ghanaian Prosper Harrison Addo will serve as the match commissioner.
In other Group C fixtures, South Africa will face second-placed Benin Republic at the Stade Félix Houphouët-Boigny in Abidjan, while Lesotho will take on Rwanda in Kigali.
