Super Eagles Seek Momentum Against Zimbabwe After Impressive Win Over Rwanda

UYO, Nigeria – The Super Eagles of Nigeria will look to build on their recent momentum as they host Zimbabwe in a pivotal 2026 World Cup qualifying match on Tuesday, March 25, 2025, at Godswill Akpabio Stadium. Coming off a 2-0 victory against Rwanda, Nigeria aims to secure another three points to bolster their chances for qualification.

Victor Osimhen was the standout performer in the previous match, scoring both goals that helped lift Nigeria to fourth place in Group C with six points. The Super Eagles are now just four points behind group leaders South Africa and two points behind Benin, as they navigate the halfway mark of the qualifying rounds.

Nigeria’s captain, William Ekong, emphasized the importance of last Friday’s victory, stating, “It’s always crucial to make a statement like we did against Rwanda. We are glad about the win, but we know there’s a long way to go. We must work hard to keep this momentum.” The Super Eagles hope to capitalize on the struggles of Zimbabwe, who currently sit at the bottom of the group with only two points, following a draw with Benin.

Kickoff is set for 5 p.m. West African Time, and fans can watch the match live on SuperSport channel on DSTV or follow the action on the BBC Pidgin website.

In the lead-up to the match, Nigeria’s coach Eric Chelle expressed confidence in his team but acknowledged the challenges ahead. Chelle, who took the reins earlier this month, is focused on reviving a once-prominent squad that has struggled under pressure. “We haven’t qualified yet, and there’s still a lot of work to be done. However, we have started the recovery with a good win. We just need to keep working hard,” he said after the Rwanda match.

While Nigeria boasts a talented roster, injury concerns might affect their lineup. Bright Osayi-Samuel is a potential absentee, which could lead to tactical changes. Chelle’s likely formation of a 4-4-2 diamond aims to maximize the impact of offensive players like Osimhen and Ademola Lookman.

Zimbabwe’s coach, Michael Nees, faces his own set of challenges as key players, including captain Marvelous Nakamba and forward Tino Kadewere, will be unavailable due to injury. Zimbabwe is in desperate search of their first win, having drawn their last match 2-2 after trailing by two goals.

The two teams have a history in World Cup qualifiers, with Nigeria winning twice in their previous encounters. This time, the Super Eagles will need to ensure that they overcome any potential complacency and exploit Zimbabwe’s defensive weaknesses, which have seen them concede eight goals in the group stage.

As anticipation builds for this crucial qualifier, both teams are under pressure to secure a victory. For Nigeria, a solid performance is essential to ensure their hopes of returning to the World Cup remain alive.