The Super Eagles of Nigeria faced Zimbabwe in a crucial matchday six of the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifier. The match took place at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium in Uyo.
Nigeria aimed to build momentum after securing a win against Rwanda in their previous match. Victor Osimhen's brace in Rwanda marked an ideal start for head coach Eric Chelle in his first competitive match. Eric Chelle announced his starting lineup for the crucial match against Zimbabwe with top stars Victor Osimhen and Ademola Lookman included in the team.
Starting Lineups
Here are the confirmed starting lineups for both teams:
Nigeria
Super Eagles head coach Eric Chelle released his starting lineup for the crucial match against Zimbabwe. CAF Best winners Ademola Lookman and Victor Osimhen again lead the team out as they did against Rwanda.
Nigeria starting lineup (4-1-3-2, right to left):
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Nwabali (GK) - Osayi-Samuel, Ekong, Bassey, Aina - Ndidi - Chukwueze, Lookman, Iwobi - Osimhen, Simon
Nigeria subs: Bankole, Onyemaechi, Ogbu, Arokodare, Aribo, Daniel, Torunarigha, Obasogie, Yusuf, Sadiq, Onyedika, Boniface
Chelle sent out a bold attacking lineup to take down Rwanda, and the head coach is being no more circumspect against struggling Zimbabwe. Victor Oshimen is again supported by Ademola Lookman, Moses Simon and Samuel Chukwueze in an exciting four-pronged forward line, with Alex Iwobi also in the side. 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.
Zimbabwe
Zimbabwe made one change to the team that started against Benin, with Walter Musona coming in for Prince Dube at No. 9. According to the team sheets, Divine Lunga is swapping to right-back for today's game, with Emmanuel Jalai on the left.
Zimbabwe starting lineup (4-2-3-1, right to left):
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Arubi (GK) - Lunga, Takwara, Garananga, Jalai - Munetsi, Rinomhota - K. Musona, Billiat, Zemura - W. Musona
Zimbabwe subs: Tavaziva, Mauchi, Dzvukamanja, Dube, Machope, Muduhwa, Msebe, Mapisa, Hachiro, Maswanhise, Chirewa, Murwira
Match Brief (as of First Half)
The match kicked off with both teams showing early attacking intent. Zimbabwe has shown strong defensive discipline, with goalkeeper Washington Arubi putting on a standout performance, making a series of brilliant saves to deny Victor Osimhen and Bright Osayi-Samuel in quick succession (8’-9’). On the other end, Walter Musona had Zimbabwe’s first real chance in the 15th minute, but his shot hit the side netting. Earlier, Knowledge Musona and Marshall Munetsi tried from range, but could not trouble Nigeria’s goalkeeper. Nigeria’s wingers, especially Moses Simon, have been lively on the flanks, but Zimbabwe’s backline has held firm.
Match Details:
- Match: Nigeria vs Zimbabwe
- Venue: Godswill Akpabio International Stadium, Uyo
- Kick-off: 6:00 PM CAT
- Score (16’): Nigeria 0-0 Zimbabwe
Key Players:
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Here's a quick look at some of the key players for each team:
| Team | Key Players |
|---|---|
| Nigeria | Victor Osimhen, Ademola Lookman, Moses Simon, Samuel Chukwueze, Alex Iwobi |
| Zimbabwe | Washington Arubi, Walter Musona, Knowledge Musona, Marshall Munetsi |
