Nigeria vs Zimbabwe: Chelle retains starting lineup for must-win clash

Ayomide Akinkuade
2 Min Read

Super Eagles coach Eric Chelle has unveiled his starting lineup for today’s crucial 2026 World Cup qualifier against Zimbabwe’s Warriors at the Godswill Akpabio Stadium, Uyo.

Eric Chelle has retained the same team that defeated Rwanda 2-0 at the Amahoro Stadium, Kigali, hoping for a similar impact as the Super Eagles aim to secure a win to boost their chances of qualifying for the 2026 World Cup.

The Super Eagles’ victory over Rwanda however provides little breathing room, as they face a must-win clash against Zimbabwe’s Warriors at 5pm Nigerian time. To stay in contention for the 2026 World Cup, Nigeria must defeat a strong Zimbabwean side that have only suffered one loss in their last seven matches.

Nigeria vs Zimbabwe: Chelle retains starting lineup for must-win clash
Eric Chelle

Zimbabwe will look to replicate or do better than their 1-1 draw against Nigeria when both sides faced at the Stade Huye, Butare, Rwanda in November 2023. The Warriors are desperate to make history as they seek to qualify to the World Cup for the first time ever.

However, the Super Eagles are boosted by the return of key players, including captain William Troost-Ekong, Victor Osimhen, Ademola Lookman, and goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali, who all missed the previous encounter, giving Nigeria a confident edge in pursuit of a win.

A win against Zimbabwe would be a vital lifeline for the Super Eagles, potentially propelling them into the top three with four matches left to play.

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