{"id":836147,"date":"2025-03-23T11:13:20","date_gmt":"2025-03-23T16:13:20","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/newsycanuse.com\/index.php\/2025\/03\/23\/nigeria-vs-zimbabwe-preview-team-news-kickoff-time-prediction-as-super-eagles-aim-for-back-to-back-wins\/"},"modified":"2025-03-23T11:13:20","modified_gmt":"2025-03-23T16:13:20","slug":"nigeria-vs-zimbabwe-preview-team-news-kickoff-time-prediction-as-super-eagles-aim-for-back-to-back-wins","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/newsycanuse.com\/index.php\/2025\/03\/23\/nigeria-vs-zimbabwe-preview-team-news-kickoff-time-prediction-as-super-eagles-aim-for-back-to-back-wins\/","title":{"rendered":"Nigeria vs Zimbabwe: Preview, team news, kickoff time &#038; prediction as Super Eagles aim for back-to-back wins"},"content":{"rendered":"<p>Soccer <\/p>\n<div>\n<p><strong>After a <a href=\"https:\/\/soccernet.ng\/2025\/03\/nigeria-rwanda-osimhen-world-cup-super-eagles.html\">crucial 2-0 victory over Rwanda<\/a> in Kigali on Friday, <a href=\"https:\/\/soccernet.ng\/?s=Nigeria+\">Nigeria<\/a> return to Uyo with a chance to secure consecutive wins in their World Cup qualifying campaign against Zimbabwe, <a href=\"https:\/\/Soccernet.ng\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Soccernet.ng<\/a> reports<\/strong>.<\/p>\n<p>Heading into the March international break, the <a href=\"https:\/\/soccernet.ng\/?s=Super+Eagles\">Super Eagles<\/a>\u2018 hopes of reaching the 2026 FIFA World Cup looked bleak.<\/p>\n<p>A disappointing start \u2014 three draws and a defeat in their first four games \u2014 had left Nigeria fifth in Group C, trailing <a href=\"https:\/\/soccernet.ng\/?s=Rwanda\">Rwanda<\/a>, Benin, and <a href=\"https:\/\/soccernet.ng\/?s=South+africa\">South Africa<\/a>, who all had seven points.<\/p>\n<p>Under new head coach <a href=\"https:\/\/soccernet.ng\/?s=Chelle\">Eric Chelle<\/a>, the Super Eagles knew anything less than a win in Rwanda would all but end their qualification hopes. And when the pressure was on, Nigeria delivered \u2014 <a href=\"https:\/\/soccernet.ng\/?s=Osimhen\">Victor Osimhen<\/a>\u2018s brilliance leading them to a much-needed victory.<\/p>\n<figure id=\"attachment_154328\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-154328\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/soccernet.ng\/app\/uploads\/2025\/03\/imago1060149412-scaled.jpg\" alt=\"Soccer Nigeria vs Rwanda: Osimhen celebrates with Coach Eric Chelle. Photo by IMAGO\" width=\"2560\" height=\"1706\"  ><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-154328\">Nigeria vs Rwanda: Super Eagles star Victor Osimhen celebrates with Coach Eric Chelle. Photo by IMAGO<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p>That result has reshaped the group dynamics. With only South Africa winning elsewhere, Nigeria are now within striking distance of second place. A win in Uyo, combined with favourable results, could see them move just behind Bafana Bafana in the standings.<\/p>\n<blockquote data-media-max-width=\"560\">\n<p dir=\"ltr\" lang=\"en\">Locker room . The mood we want to be in after every remaining game in the WCQ <a href=\"https:\/\/t.co\/8Lg6YBZ6N2\" target=\"_blank\">pic.twitter.com\/8Lg6YBZ6N2<\/a><\/p>\n<p>\u2014 Super Eagles (@NGSuperEagles) <a href=\"https:\/\/twitter.com\/NGSuperEagles\/status\/1903162603397845199?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">March 21, 2025<\/a><\/p><\/blockquote>\n<h2>Soccer Warriors seeking a response<\/h2>\n<p>Zimbabwe, however, arrive in Nigeria determined to spoil the party. The Warriors had a golden opportunity to climb off the bottom of Group C in their clash with Benin Republic on Thursday but were held to a 2-2 draw.<\/p>\n<blockquote data-media-max-width=\"560\">\n<p dir=\"ltr\" lang=\"en\">Zimbabwe have touched down in Lagos to prepare and face Nigeria on Tuesday <a href=\"https:\/\/t.co\/ov3ODSEaMw\" target=\"_blank\">pic.twitter.com\/ov3ODSEaMw<\/a><\/p>\n<p>\u2014 Naija (@Naija_PR) <a href=\"https:\/\/twitter.com\/Naija_PR\/status\/1903451096091083258?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">March 22, 2025<\/a><\/p><\/blockquote>\n<h4><a href=\"https:\/\/www.whatsapp.com\/channel\/0029VagMHLcA89MZvw0Btc21\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Get Our Sports News First \u2013 Join Our WhatsApp Channel Now!<\/a><\/h4>\n<p><strong>READ MORE\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>\u201c<a href=\"https:\/\/soccernet.ng\/2025\/03\/chelle-proud-super-eagles.html\">I\u2019m proud\u201d \u2013 Everything Eric Chelle said after leading Super Eagles to debut victory vs Rwanda<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/soccernet.ng\/2025\/03\/atletico-madrid-nigeria-rwanda.html\">Award-winning Atletico Madrid star charges Nigeria to beat Zimbabwe after Rwanda win<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/soccernet.ng\/2025\/03\/nigerias-rwanda-osimhen-amavubi.html\">Five key takeaways from Nigeria\u2019s win in Rwanda: Osimhen ends Amavubi jinx, Chelle\u2019s tactical masterclass<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>After trailing 2-0, Michael Nees\u2019s side showed resilience, with goals from Marshall Munetsi and Knowledge Musona salvaging a point. Udinese wingback Jordan Zemura was instrumental, providing both assists.<\/p>\n<p>However, Zimbabwe will need much more to trouble the Super Eagles in Uyo.<\/p>\n<figure id=\"attachment_153294\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-153294\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/soccernet.ng\/app\/uploads\/2025\/03\/Screenshot_20250312_132159_Chrome.jpg\" alt=\"Soccer Zimbabwe national team ahead of first leg vs Nigeria. Photo by IMAGO\" width=\"720\" height=\"480\"  ><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-153294\">Zimbabwe national team ahead of first leg vs Nigeria. Photo by IMAGO<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<h2>Soccer Nigeria vs Zimbabwe: Head-to-head<\/h2>\n<p>Zimbabwe are one of the few African nations yet to defeat Nigeria in a competitive match.<\/p>\n<p>The Warriors\u2019 only win over the Super Eagles came in a 2-0 friendly triumph back in 1981. Since then, Nigeria have gone unbeaten in seven meetings, winning four and drawing three.<\/p>\n<p>One of the most memorable encounters was in 2005, when Nigeria thrashed Zimbabwe 5-1 in a World Cup qualifier. Ironically, both teams failed to qualify for the tournament as Angola edged them to the ticket.<\/p>\n<figure id=\"attachment_154307\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-154307\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/soccernet.ng\/app\/uploads\/2025\/03\/GmmOgjxWgAAH5tc.jpeg\" alt=\"Soccer Nigeria Super Eagles. Photo Credit X\" width=\"810\" height=\"540\"  ><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-154307\">Nigeria Super Eagles. Photo Credit X<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p>Their most recent meeting, in November 2023, ended in a 1-1 draw, with Kelechi Iheanacho rescuing a point for Nigeria after Walter Musona\u2019s stunning free-kick had given Zimbabwe the lead.<\/p>\n<p>Since then, Nigeria have undergone major changes \u2014 reaching the AFCON final, changing managers multiple times, and now settling under Franco-Malian coach Eric Chelle.<\/p>\n<figure id=\"attachment_154213\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-154213\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/soccernet.ng\/app\/uploads\/2025\/03\/GmbK4KrWUAATziU-1.jpeg\" alt=\"Soccer Nigeria Super Eagles and head coach Eric Chelle. Photo Credit X\" width=\"2048\" height=\"1582\"  ><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-154213\">Nigeria Super Eagles and head coach Eric Chelle. Photo Credit X<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p>Chelle\u2019s tactical blueprint was evident in Kigali \u2014 high pressing, more attacking intent, and collective defending. If Nigeria execute that plan again in Uyo, Zimbabwe could be in for a tough night.<\/p>\n<p>Nigeria\u2019s squad arrived in Uyo on Saturday, giving them two full days of preparation. Zimbabwe have also made an early trip to Nigeria.<\/p>\n<blockquote data-media-max-width=\"560\">\n<p dir=\"ltr\" lang=\"tl\">Goodbye Kigali. Next stop, Uyo <a href=\"https:\/\/t.co\/mE6hWuSnXi\" target=\"_blank\">pic.twitter.com\/mE6hWuSnXi<\/a><\/p>\n<p>\u2014 Super Eagles (@NGSuperEagles) <a href=\"https:\/\/twitter.com\/NGSuperEagles\/status\/1903384271374450903?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">March 22, 2025<\/a><\/p><\/blockquote>\n<p>Chelle is expected to have a full squad available, although Bright Osayi-Samuel suffered a dead leg against Rwanda. If unfit, Ola Aina will shift to right-back, allowing Bruno Onyemaechi to start at left-back.<\/p>\n<p>Osimhen, despite looking fatigued in Kigali, should be back at full throttle. Alongside him, Ademola Lookman and Moses Simon impressed in attack, meaning Chelle could stick with the same front line.<\/p>\n<figure id=\"attachment_154313\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-154313\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/soccernet.ng\/app\/uploads\/2025\/03\/Gmle1w-XgAA1v1S.jpeg\" alt=\"Soccer Nigeria Super Eagles stars Victor Osimhen and Ademola Lookman. Photo Credit X\" width=\"680\" height=\"527\"  ><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-154313\">Nigeria Super Eagles stars Victor Osimhen and Ademola Lookman. Photo Credit X<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p>In defence, Calvin Bassey and William Troost-Ekong are expected to retain their places. Samuel Chukwueze struggled to adapt to Chelle\u2019s system in Rwanda but provided the assist for Osimhen\u2019s second goal, which could earn him another start.<\/p>\n<p>With the quality at their disposal, Nigeria enter this clash as clear favourites to secure another win and boost their qualification hopes.<\/p>\n<figure id=\"attachment_154320\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-154320\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/soccernet.ng\/app\/uploads\/2025\/03\/imago1054035387-scaled.jpg\" alt=\"Soccer Super Eagles defenders William Troost-Ekong (L) and Calvin Bassey (M). Photo by IMAGO \" width=\"2560\" height=\"1710\"  ><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-154320\">Super Eagles defenders William Troost-Ekong (L) and Calvin Bassey (M). Photo by IMAGO<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<h2>Soccer Probable starting lineups<\/h2>\n<p><strong>Nigeria (4-4-2<\/strong>): Nwabali; Aina, Ekong, Bassey, Onyemaechi; Ndidi, Iwobi, Simon, Chukwueze; Lookman, Osimhen.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Zimbabwe (4-2-3-1):<\/strong> Arubi; Jalai, Garan\u2019anga, Takwara, Lunga; Rinomhota, Munetsi; Zemura, Billiat, Musona; Chirewa<\/p>\n<h2>Soccer Match details<\/h2>\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Competition<\/strong>: CAF World Cup Qualifiers (Matchday 6)<\/li>\n<li><strong>Fixture<\/strong>: Nigeria vs Zimbabwe<\/li>\n<li><strong>Venue<\/strong>: Godswill Akpabio International Stadium, Uyo<\/li>\n<li><strong>Date<\/strong>: Tuesday, March 25, 2025<\/li>\n<li><strong>Kickoff time<\/strong>: 5 pm (Nigerian time)<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2>Soccer Prediction<\/h2>\n<p>Nigeria\u2019s confidence is soaring after their victory over Rwanda, and they know anything less than a win against Zimbabwe could undo their progress.<\/p>\n<figure id=\"attachment_154210\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-154210\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/soccernet.ng\/app\/uploads\/2025\/03\/GmbK4KtXkAAEy1m.jpeg\" alt=\"Soccer Nigeria Super Eagles im training. Photo Credit X\" width=\"2048\" height=\"1582\"  ><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-154210\">Nigeria Super Eagles im training. Photo Credit X<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p>The Warriors, meanwhile, are struggling \u2014 winning just one of their last 23 World Cup qualifiers, a dreadful run dating back to 2008. Even worse, they haven\u2019t won an away World Cup qualifier since 2004.<\/p>\n<p>Nigeria have had slip-ups at home in recent years \u2014 losing to Rwanda, Guinea-Bissau, and the Central African Republic \u2014 but Chelle\u2019s side appear to have new momentum.<\/p>\n<p>Expect a dominant performance from the Super Eagles, with a high-scoring win the most likely outcome.<\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/soccernet.ng\/2025\/03\/nigeria-zimbabwe-super-eagles.html\" class=\"button purchase\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Read More<\/a>Imhonlamhen Eronmhonsele<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Soccer After a crucial 2-0 victory over Rwanda in Kigali on Friday, Nigeria return to Uyo with a chance to secure consecutive wins in their World Cup qualifying campaign against Zimbabwe, Soccernet.ng reports. Heading into the March international break, the Super Eagles\u2018 hopes of reaching the 2026 FIFA World Cup looked bleak. A disappointing start [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":836148,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[27096,2005,23880],"tags":[15956,46081],"class_list":{"0":"post-836147","1":"post","2":"type-post","3":"status-publish","4":"format-standard","5":"has-post-thumbnail","7":"category-nigeria","8":"category-soccer","9":"category-zimbabwe","10":"tag-nigeria","11":"tag-zimbabwe"},"aioseo_notices":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/newsycanuse.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/836147","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/newsycanuse.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/newsycanuse.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/newsycanuse.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/newsycanuse.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=836147"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/newsycanuse.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/836147\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/newsycanuse.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/836148"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/newsycanuse.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=836147"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/newsycanuse.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=836147"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/newsycanuse.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=836147"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}