World Cup Qualifying - Africa | Group Stage

Mar 25, 2025 at 4pm UK

Adokiye Amiesimaka Stadium

Nigeria vs Zimbabwe

Match preview

Charged with reviving Nigeria's flagging campaign, Chelle made sure his debut on the sidelines was a memorable one, leading the team to their first win of the qualifiers after a frustrating run of four games without a victory.

The three-time AFCON champions had managed just three draws from those matches, and their frustration boiled over after a shock 2-1 defeat to Benin in June 2024.

That defeat led to the departure of former coach Finidi George, who resigned amid scrutiny of the team's struggles and a reported falling out with the country's football federation.

The turmoil was exacerbated by the controversy surrounding Victor Osimhen, who had missed all previous qualifiers and openly expressed his displeasure at an alleged remark by Finidi questioning his commitment.

Back in action and fully fit last Friday, Osimhen wasted no time in reminding the Nigerians what they had been missing, scoring a brace to move the African giants up to fourth in Group C and set them up for another crucial result against Zimbabwe.

With six points, two behind second-placed Benin Republic and four behind leaders South Africa, Nigeria know that any slip-up could prove costly, making Tuesday's game a must-win for them as they look to build momentum in their quest for a place at the 2026 finals.

This will be the fourth World Cup qualifier between the two sides, with the Super Eagles emerging victorious in two of the previous three meetings, the most recent of which ended in a 1-1 draw in the reverse fixture.

Zimbabwe go into the game on the back of a spirited fightback that saw them come from two goals down to earn a 2-2 draw with Benin last Thursday, thanks to goals from Marshall Munetsi and Knowledge Musona.

Despite their resilience, Michael Nees' men remain rooted to the bottom of the standings and are still searching for their first win of the campaign, having taken just three points from three draws.

Much of the Warriors' struggles can be attributed to a leaky defence, which has conceded a group-high eight goals, while their attack has also lacked bite, finding the back of the net just four times.

That backline will face a stern test against a Nigerian side that boasts one of the continent's most formidable attacking duos in reigning African Player of the Year Ademola Lookman and the prolific Osimhen, who won the prestigious award last year.

Zimbabwe's overall form is not inspiring much confidence either, with two draws and three defeats in five games, a poor run they must halt if they are to keep their 2026 World Cup hopes alive.

Recent Performance

Nigeria World Cup Qualifying - Africa form:DLW

Nigeria form (all competitions):WDWDLW

Zimbabwe World Cup Qualifying - Africa form:LLD

Zimbabwe form (all competitions):DWWDLD

Team News

Chelle deployed his preferred 4-4-2 diamond against Rwanda and is expected to stick with the system on Tuesday, although there could be minor changes in personnel, with Bright Osayi-Samuel a doubt after picking up a knock, which could see Ola Aina return to his natural right-back role, with Bruno Onyemaechi deputising at left-back.

Further up the pitch, tactical changes could be made in midfield, with Samuel Chukwueze, who struggled in an unfamiliar role last time out, likely to drop to the bench in favour of Raphael Onyedika.

Meanwhile, Alex Iwobi is likely to retain his place alongside Lookman, who will operate just behind the strikers as Osimhen looks to add to his tally of 25 international goals, a figure that cements his status as Nigeria's second highest scorer, two behind Segun Odegbami and 12 behind the legendary Rashidi Yekini.

For Zimbabwe, Nees is likely to stick with the 4-2-3-1 formation used against Benin, with Khama Billiat, who became the team's third most-capped player after making his 57th appearance in that game, set to overtake Adam Ndlovu if he plays on Tuesday.

Musona's latest goal took his international tally to 25, putting him third on Zimbabwe's all-time scoring chart, nine behind second placed Adam Ndlovu and 12 behind record holder Peter Ndlovu, as he looks to add to his legacy in this crucial encounter.

Possible starting lineup

Nigeria possible starting lineup:

Nwabali; Ekong, Bassey, Aina, Onyemaechi; Iwobi, Ndidi, Onyedika, Lookman; Simon, Osimhen

Zimbabwe possible starting lineup:

Arubi; Jalai, Garananga, Takwara, Lunga; Munetsi, Rinomhota; Musona, Billiat, Zemura; Dube