Zimbabwe eyes first win in 42 years as Super Eagles brace for battle

Zimbabwe Warriors gear up to face Nigeria’s Super Eagles for the second match of the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers.

The clash is slated for 2pm on Sunday (today) at Stade Huye in Rwanda, with Zimbabwe as the host.

Both teams, having settled for draws on matchday one, seek to clinch their first victory in the qualifiers.

The Super Eagles bagged an unexpected 1-1 draw against Lesotho, while Zimbabwe held Rwanda to a goalless draw.

The Warriors carry a historic weight into this match, hoping to secure their first win against the Super Eagles in 42 years.

Their last win dates back to a friendly game in 1981, in a 2-0 encounter. Subsequently, the Warriors have faced four defeats and claimed two draws in their last six encounters with the three-time AFCON champions.

The history includes a goal tally of four for Zimbabwe and 14 conceded against the Nigerian national team.

Both teams last clashed in a friendly in 2019, ending in a goalless draw in Asaba, Delta State.

Meanwhile, this is the second time the Warriors and Eagles find themselves in the same World Cup qualifying group, with their first meeting going way back to the 2006 tournament.

In preparation for the showdown, Bayer Leverkusen winger Nathan Tella secures a spot in Nigeria’s starting lineup, following a 4-3-3 formation chosen by head coach Jose Peseiro.

The team will be led by goalkeeper Francis Uzoho, with Terem Moffi from OGC Nice leading the attacking front.