Nigeria finally got a win on the board in World Cup qualifying last time out and must now look to build momentum when they host Zimbabwe in Uyo.
Victor Osmihen’s match-winning brace in Rwanda last week ended a four-game winless run in Group C and gave new head coach Eric Chelle an ideal start in his first competitive match.
There is still plenty of work for the Super Eagles to do. Ahead of this latest matchday, they sit fourth, four points behind leaders South Africa with only the top spot guaranteeing a place in North America in 2026.
Zimbabwe’s draw with Benin left them bottom of the standings and with no victories from five matches.
The Sporting News runs through the latest team news and injury updates.
MORE: Full Nigeria squad for World Cup qualifier against Rwanda
Nigeria lineup, predicted starting 11, team news vs. Zimbabwe
Chelle sent out a bold attacking lineup to take down Rwanda. Considering Nigeria’s previous opponents started that matchday on top of the standings, there’s little reason to assume the head coach will be more circumspect against struggling Zimbabwe.
Victor Oshimen was supported by Ademola Lookman, Moses Simon and Samuel Chukwueze in an exciting four-pronged forward line. The Super Eagles’ relative comfort in the match meant Chukwueze and Osimhen could be substituted during the second half and will be good to go again.
Bruno Onyemaechi could come in as a natural left-back, allowing Ola Aina to switch to the right-hand side of the defence, but Chelle could very well go with an unchanged XI.
Nigeria predicted lineup (4-4-2, right to left): Nwabali (GK) — Osayi-Samuel, Ekong, Bassey, Aina — Simon, Ndidi, Iwobi, Chukwueze — Lookman, Osimhen
Nigeria vs. Zimbabwe live stream, TV channel
Here’s how to watch this CAF World Cup qualifying match across selected areas of the world’s major regions:
