Zimbabwe midfielder Andy Rinomhota is confident the Warriors can pull off an upset against Nigeria when the two sides meet in a crucial 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifier at the Godswill Akpabio Stadium on Tuesday, Soccernet.ng<\/a> reports<\/strong>.<\/p>\n Nigeria, under new head coach Eric Chelle, head into the fixture with momentum on their side after a convincing 2-0 victory over Rwanda last Friday.<\/p>\n The result reignited their faltering qualification campaign, and the Super Eagles will be determined to secure back-to-back wins as they look to climb the Group C standings.<\/p>\n For Zimbabwe, the challenge is even greater. They sit at the bottom of the group with just three points from five games and must produce a special performance to keep their fading hopes alive.<\/p>\n However, Rinomhota insists the Warriors are not in Uyo just to make up the numbers.<\/p>\n \u2014 Zimbabwe Football Association (@online_zifa) March 24, 2025<\/a><\/p><\/blockquote>\n Rinomhota, who plays for Cardiff City in England, made his Zimbabwe debut in the reverse fixture in November 2023, a 1-1 draw played on neutral ground in Rwanda. The midfielder believes his side can go one better this time.<\/p>\n \u201cWe\u2019re optimistic. We got a result against Nigeria last time, even though it was technically a home game in Rwanda,\u201d Rinomhota said.<\/p>\n \u201cThat was my first game \u2013 it was a big test, and the team did well to draw.<\/p>\n \u201cThis time, we want to go a step further. We respect Nigeria, but not too much. We\u2019ll try to impose ourselves. We\u2019ve come here to get a result and keep pushing towards our goal.\u201d<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n \u201cWe drew the first game against them and could\u2019ve even won it \u2013 this time we are looking to go one better.\u201d <\/p>\n Andy Rinomhota looking forward to taking on the Super Eagles, the team against which he made his debut for the Warriors. #bayawabaya<\/a> pic.twitter.com\/W9X4h16gCH<\/a><\/p>\n<\/div>\n \u2014 Zimbabwe Football Association (@online_zifa) March 24, 2025<\/a><\/p><\/blockquote>\n With Zimbabwe already facing an uphill task against a star-studded Nigerian side, the sweltering conditions in Uyo could make things even tougher.<\/p>\n Temperatures soared to 32\u00b0C during their training session on Monday, with humidity levels at 40 percent.<\/p>\n Rinomhota admits the weather will be a factor but insists his team is preparing well.<\/p>\n \u201cI think it\u2019s going to be quite warm and humid. We\u2019re preparing ourselves, even though the game\u2019s later. We had similar conditions against Cameroon last year in the AFCON qualifiers,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n \u201cWe\u2019re trying to start the game well. Everyone is focused on acclimatising fully. The conditions are definitely on everyone\u2019s mind.\u201d<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n Zimbabwe\u2019s training session took place at the peak of the day\u2019s heat, with players taking frequent hydration breaks to adjust to the climate. At kickoff on Tuesday, expected to be at 33\u00b0C with 42 percent humidity, endurance will be as crucial as technical ability.<\/p>\n Despite Rinomhota\u2019s optimism, history favours Nigeria in this fixture.<\/p>\n The Super Eagles remain unbeaten in their last seven meetings with Zimbabwe, winning four and drawing three. With Chelle\u2019s men aiming to make a statement under new management, they will be wary of any complacency.<\/p>\n Through the paces pic.twitter.com\/un9vQyR0kI<\/a><\/p>\n \u2014 Super Eagles (@NGSuperEagles) March 24, 2025<\/a><\/p><\/blockquote>\n The match will be officiated by Eritrean referee Tsegay Teklu Mogos, assisted by Eyobel Michael and Mengis Sirak Samuel.<\/p>\n Kickoff is scheduled for 5pm Nigerian time and with the sun expected to set just before full-time, conditions will remain punishing throughout.<\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n![\"Soccer](\"https:\/\/soccernet.ng\/app\/uploads\/2025\/03\/GmykW7TW0AA1Z_I.jpeg\")
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Soccer \u201cWe respect Nigeria, but not too much\u201d \u2013 Zimbabwe\u2019s Rinomhota<\/h2>\n
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Soccer Harsh Uyo weather, an extra challenge<\/h2>\n
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Soccer Nigeria hold historical edge over Zimbabwe<\/h2>\n
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