Zimbabwe Vs Nigeria: 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifier match preview
Super Eagles of Nigeria will face the Warriors of Zimbabwe in a 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifier. SportsRation presents a preview of the matchday-two clash.
Match details
Competition: CAF World Cup Qualifiers
Match: Zimbabwe vs Nigeria
Venue: Huye Stadium, Butare, Rwanda
Date: 19 November, 2023
Kick-off time: 2 pm (Nigerian time)
ABOUT THE MATCH
Zimbabwe began their 2023 FIFA World Cup qualification campaign with a 0-0 away draw vs Rwanda at the Huye Stadium, same venue they will take on the Super Eagles who were held to a 1-1 draw in the last game.
Ahead of the matchday two clash, the Super Eagles of Nigeria will start as favourites banking on their superior head to head advantage.
In seven meetings, the Super Eagles have defeated the Warriors four times. Two games ended in draws while Zimbabwe ha a single win over Nigeria.
Nigeria’s only loss to Zimbabwe was in an international friendly back in August 1981, 42-years ago.
For team news, Super Eagles Head Coach Jose Peseiro will be without Nottingham Forest forward Taiwo Awoniyi who is ruled out with injury.
Replacing Awoniyi will feature among numerous tactical and personnel changes for the Eagles vs Zimbabwe.
Moses Simon impressed as a substitute and so could get into the team.
Bayer Leverkusen man Nathan Tella’s direct running is another option available for the Eagles as they look to turn their possession to goals at the Huye Stadium
For the Warriors of Zimbabwe, Brazilian coach, Baltemar Brito, may stick with the 3-5-2 formation deployed vs Rwanda.
Us-based defender, Teenage Hadebe impressed at the back vs Rwanda and will be expected to marshall the defence and shield goalkeeper Bernard Donovan Fungai, from the blazing Nigerian attack.
Zimbabwe predicted starting XI, 3-5-2:
Donovan; Hadebe, Lunga, Mbeba; Nakamba, Takwara, Munetsi, Banda, Musona; Muskwe, Kadewere
Nigeria predicted starting XI:
Uzoho; Aina, Bassey, Ajayi, Collins; Onyeka, Iwobi, Simon, Tella; Iheanacho, Boniface.
