Zimbabwe and Nigeria clash at the Huye Stadium seeking their first 2026 World Cup qualifying victory in a pivotal match.
Match Preview:
Zimbabwe started their World Cup journey with a goalless draw against Rwanda at Butare’s Huye Stadium, aiming to build on their last competitive victory in January 2022 over Guinea.
However, they’ve struggled, winning only one of their last fifteen matches across competitions and faced difficulties in World Cup qualifiers, finishing last in their previous group.
Nigeria, after a disappointing 1-1 draw against Lesotho, aims to bounce back. They recently displayed winning form in Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers but have gone without a World Cup appearance since 2018.
Team News:
Admiral Muskwe’s injury might sideline him for Zimbabwe, opening the door for Terrence Dzvukamanja. Nigeria, despite the Lesotho draw, is expected to field a similar XI.
Predicted Lineups:
Zimbabwe Possible Starting Lineup:(3-5-2)
Bernard;
Takwara, Hadebe, Lunga;
Mbeba, Munetsi, Nakamba, Band, Musona;
Dube, Dzvukamanja
Nigeria Possible Starting Lineup:(4-4-2)
Uzoho;
Osayi-Samuel, Ajayi, Bassey, Collins;
Onyeka, Iwobi, Iheanacho, Lookman;
Boniface, Awoniyi
Prediction:
Nigeria is predicted to secure a 2-0 victory against Zimbabwe, aiming to regain momentum before the Africa Cup of Nations.