The Nigeria’s Super Eagles are on a redemption mission as they take to the field against the Warriors of Zimbabwe at the Huye Stadium, Butare on Sunday (today).
The three-time African kings recorded a shocking 1-1 home draw against Lesotho in their first game in the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifying series.
The Super Eagles came from behind to earn a share of the spoils in the game.
With South Africa shooting to top position in Group C following a 2-1 victory against Benin Republic on Saturday, the Super Eagles are condemned to beat the Zimbabweans.
Anything short of a win against the Warriors will certainly spell doom for their hopes of making it to the 2026 World Cup finals.
Having played against Lesotho in a lush green Godswill Akpabio International Stadium turf, the Eagles will have to battle it out with Zimbabwe on a bumpy artificial playing surface which will make the task more difficult for them.
Zimbabwe, who held Rwanda to a 0-0 draw at the Huye Stadium last Wednesday will face a similar problem as majority of their players are based abroad and like the Nigerian stars are not used to playing on artificial turf.
Baltemar Brito’s side will have a slight advantage having played on the ground against Rwanda.
Another major headache for Nigeria head coach, Jose Peseiro is the injury to Nottingham Forest striker, Taiwo Awoniyi which has further depleted his squad.
Awoniyi picked up a groin injury against Lesotho and has since returned to England.
The likes of Victor Osimhen, Samuel Chukwueze and Wilfred Ndidi were omitted from the squad due to injury.
