Nigeria vs Zimbabwe: Super Eagles seek World Cup-qualifying redemption against Warriors

• Super Eagles aim for victory in remaining World Cup qualification matches, focusing on defeating Zimbabwe despite playing on artificial turf
• Falconets, Nigeria’s U20 girls, seek to maintain an impressive record in the FIFA U20 Women’s World Cup against Tanzania

After a 1-1 draw with Lesotho’s Crocodiles in Uyo last week Thursday, the Super Eagles coach and players are silently determined to approach the remaining nine matches of the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualification series with unwavering resolve, setting victory as the only acceptable outcome.

The three-time African champions are set to face the Warriors of Zimbabwe at the Huye Stadium in Rwanda, which serves as Zimbabwe’s adopted home for the day 2 fixture of the qualification series.

Despite the Huye Stadium’s artificial turf, with a capacity of 20,000, the Eagles have collectively decided not to be concerned about the playing surface, focusing solely on securing the maximum three points.

Zimbabwe made an impressive start to their 2026 World Cup qualification journey, securing a goalless draw against Rwanda at Butare’s Huye Stadium after emerging from an 18-month FIFA ban. Despite being ranked 125th in the latest FIFA World Rankings and having won just one of their last 15 games, with nine defeats and five draws, they present a challenge.

Nigeria has historically dominated their encounters with Zimbabwe, boasting four wins, two draws, and just one loss in six games. Notably, they secured an 8-1 aggregate win against Zimbabwe during the 2006 World Cup qualifying series.

A victory in the upcoming clash would propel the Super Eagles to four points, marking one-fifth campaign completion.

Meanwhile, Nigeria’s U20 girls, the Falconets, are set to face their Tanzanian counterparts in the 2024 FIFA U20 Women’s World Cup African qualifying series second round, second leg encounter at the MKO Abiola National Stadium.

The first leg match in Tanzania ended in a one-goal draw, with substitute Chioma Olise putting Nigeria in front in the 57th minute. Nigeria, a consistent presence at the FIFA U20 Women’s World Cup, seeks to maintain its impressive record in the competition that spans 21 years since its launch as a U19 tournament in Canada.