The Super Eagles of Nigeria will play host to Zimbabwe at the Godswill Akpabio Stadium for their clash slated for Tuesday. Both teams will vie for all three points to make a difference in their FIFA World Cup qualifiers. Ahead of the clash scheduled for March, 23, Kick Off Nigeria editor Ayomide Oguntimehin provides key details and predictions.
Match Preview: Nigeria vs Zimbabwe
Nigeria are in need of all three points to keep their World Cup hopes alive. Following a dismal start to the campaign—drawing three games and losing one—the 2013 AFCON champions shocked table-toppers Rwanda with a 2-0 victory in Kigali, pushing them up to fourth place in the standings with six points. A victory against Zimbabwe would further boost their chances of qualification.
Zimbabwe played their hearts out in their last clash against Benin Republic, coming from 2-0 down to secure a draw against Gernot Rohr’s men. Securing three points from this clash could still put them back on course for their first-ever World Cup qualification.
Head to Head
- 2023 – Zimbabwe 1-1 Nigeria
- 2019 – Nigeria 0-0 Zimbabwe
- 2014 – Zimbabwe 0-1 Nigeria
- 2006 – Nigeria 2-0 Zimbabwe
- 2005 – Nigeria 5-1 Zimbabwe
Recent Form: Nigeria
Nigeria have shown mixed form in recent months. They started 2025 well with a strong 2-0 away win over Rwanda in a World Cup qualifier. Before that, they faced a few setbacks—losing 2-1 at home to Rwanda and drawing 1-1 away to Benin in the AFCON qualifiers. Despite these slips, they’ve shown promise, especially in home games, where they’ve beaten teams like Libya at the Uyo Stadium.
At home, Nigeria have won three of their last five matches, including a dominant 3-0 victory over Benin and a 1-0 win over Libya. Their only home loss in that run came against Rwanda. Overall, the Super Eagles have been steady, but will need to remain consistent to keep their World Cup hopes on track.
Recent Form: Zimbabwe
Zimbabwe have had a mixed run of results lately. In their most recent game, they played out a 2-2 draw at home against Benin in a World Cup qualifier. Prior to that, they suffered a narrow 2-1 defeat away to Cameroon in the AFCON qualifiers, after drawing 1-1 at home against Kenya.
Away from home, Zimbabwe have struggled to find consistency. They lost 3-1 to South Africa in June and 2-1 to Cameroon in November. However, they did manage a 1-0 win against Namibia and held Kenya to a goalless draw in Nairobi. Overall, Zimbabwe have shown some fight but are still searching for more stability, especially in away matches where results have been mixed.
Player to Watch: Victor Osimhen
The Napoli forward banged in two goals to hand Nigeria their first 2026 World Cup qualifying victory at the Amahoro Stadium in Kigali. Not only that, the former LOSC Lille striker surpassed Segun Odegbami’s goal record to officially become Nigeria’s second all-time top scorer.
Related article: The Most Expensive Striker: Salary and Market Value Profile of Victor Osimhen
Best Betting Odds
- Home to Win (Yes) – 1.33 on 1xBet
