Match Preview: Nigeria vs Zimbabwe – Team news, predictions, h2h, key players

The Super Eagles of Nigeria are all set to welcome the Zimbabwe Warriors on Tuesday, March 25, 2025, in a big 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifier at the famous Godswill Akpabio International Stadium in Uyo, Footynaija.com reports.

After beating Rwanda 2-0 away from home, thanks to a brilliant brace from Victor Osimhen, the Super Eagles will be feeling confident heading into this one. But they know Zimbabwe will not make it easy. The visitors are still chasing their first win in this qualifying campaign and will see this match as a chance to make a statement.

Match Details

The match will take place on Tuesday, March 25, 2025, at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium in Uyo, with kick-off set for 5:00 PM West Africa Time. The stadium is expected to be packed with fans in green and white, cheering loudly as the Super Eagles try to pick up all three points.

Team News

Both Nigeria and Zimbabwe head into Tuesday’s World Cup qualifier in good spirits after solid performances in their last matches on Friday.

For Nigeria, it was a good day out in Kigali as the Super Eagles picked up their first win of the qualifiers with a 2-0 victory over Rwanda. The star of the show was Victor Osimhen, who scored both goals in the first half to give Nigeria a much-needed boost. The team played well, and there were no injury worries or suspensions coming out of that game.

For Zimbabwe, they showed great fighting spirit in their 2-2 draw against Benin Republic on Friday. The Warriors were 2-0 down at one point, but they didn’t give up. Midfielder Marshall Munetsi pulled one back, and the experienced Knowledge Musona grabbed the equaliser late in the game. Their coach, Michael Nees, will be proud of the comeback and the fight his team showed. There were also no reports of injuries or suspensions after that match. Their key players are all expected to be fit for the match.

Head to Head

When it comes to past meetings between these two sides, Nigeria definitely has the upper hand. In their last six meetings, the Super Eagles have won four times, while the other two matches ended in draws. The most recent game between the two sides was in November 2023, during these World Cup qualifiers, where both teams had to settle for a 1-1 draw. That result will still be fresh in the minds of both teams, and Nigeria will be eager to put things right in front of their home fans.

Players to Watch

For Nigeria, all eyes will be on Victor Osimhen. The striker, who currently plays for Galatasaray in Turkey, has been in electric form this season, scoring 26 goals in 30 appearances for his club. He showed his class again in Kigali by scoring twice, and fans will be counting on him to deliver once more.

For Zimbabwe, danger man Knowledge Musona is someone Nigeria’s defence will have to watch closely. The experienced forward is known for popping up with goals in big matches.

Prediction

The Super Eagles come into this match as favourites, especially with the home advantage and fresh confidence after their win in Rwanda. But Zimbabwe will not go down without a fight. They will come well-organised and could be dangerous on the counter.

That said, if Nigeria plays to their strengths, keeping the ball, attacking with pace, and being sharp in front of goal, they should come out on top. A 2-1 win for Nigeria seems likely, but they will have to stay focused for the full 90 minutes.

This is a massive match for both teams. Nigeria knows that dropping points at home would make qualification tricky, while Zimbabwe is hungry for their first win.

The Super Eagles will rely on their home fans, their in-form striker Osimhen, and a solid team effort to get the job done. Zimbabwe will try to play spoiler, but if Nigeria brings the same energy and finishing they showed against Rwanda, the home fans in Uyo should leave the stadium happy.