World Sports

2026 World Cup qualifiers: Nigeria vs Zimbabwe preview, time, squad

Nigeria continues their push to secure a top-two finish in Group C of the World Cup qualifiers by hosting Zimbabwe at Godswill Akpabio International Stadium in Uyo.

The Super Eagles face a struggling Zimbabwean side that sits at the bottom of the table and has yet to secure a victory in this campaign.

GOAL provides all the details on how to watch the match, including TV channels, streaming details, team news, and more.

Match Details

Game: Nigeria vs Zimbabwe

Date: 25 March 2025

Kick-off: 17:00 WAT | 18:00 SA Time

Venue: Godswill Akpabio International Stadium

Nigeria Team News & Squad

The return of Victor Osimhen proved valuable for Nigeria, as the Galatasaray striker scored a brace in their 2-0 victory over Rwanda last week.

It was a strong start for coach Eric Chelle in his tenure as the Super Eagles’ manager.

Real Sociedad forward Umar Sadiq has also returned to the squad, although he remained an unused substitute against Rwanda.

Nigeria possible XI: Nwabali, Troost-Ekong, Aina, Osayi-Samuel, Bassey, Ndidi, Iwobi, Simon, Chukwueze, Osimhen, Lookman.

Zimbabwe Team News & Squad

Warriors coach Michael Nees will be without his captain, Luton midfielder Marvelous Nakamba, who is injured. This leaves former Orlando Pirates midfielder Marshal Munetsi with the armband.

FC Nantes forward Tino Kadewere is also sidelined due to injury, prompting Nees to convince former skipper Knowledge Musona to come out of retirement and bolster Zimbabwe’s squad.

Zimbabwe possible XI: Arubi, Takwara, Zemura, Lunga, Garan’anga, Jalai, Musona, Billiat, Munetsi, Rinomhota, Chirewa.

Head-to-Head & Recent Form

Nigeria is coming off a 2-0 victory over Rwanda, their first win in these qualifiers. The Super Eagles will be looking to build on that success as they aim to climb from fourth place in the standings. A win could move them up to second, depending on results in other matches involving Rwanda and Benin.

Zimbabwe remains winless in the campaign and sits at the bottom of the group with just three points.

The Warriors have never beaten Nigeria in a competitive match. The Super Eagles have won four of their six encounters, while the other two ended in draws.

Head-to-head record in these qualifiers:

November 19, 2023 – Zimbabwe 1-1 Nigeria (World Cup Qualifiers).

(Goal.com)

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