Eric Chelle kicked off his reign as Super Eagles head coach on a winning note, and he will be looking to build on that when he takes charge of his first home game against Zimbabwe on Tuesday. Here are the predictions, team news, betting tips, and possible line-ups for the game.
Nigeria moved to fourth in Group C with six points after securing a first-ever win away in Rwanda, thanks to Victor Osimhen’s brace.
South Africa currently tops the group with 10 points, while Benin are second with eight points and Rwanda are on seven points.
However, with South Africa and Benin playing each other next, the Super Eagles have an opportunity to close the gap with a win over Zimbabwe in Uyo.
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Zimbabwe held Benin Republic to a 2-2 draw on Thursday, coming from a two-goal deficit, though they remain bottom of the group.
Nigeria vs Zimbabwe Head to Head
There have been six previous meetings between both nations, and Nigeria are unbeaten, with four wins and two draws.
However, those draws came in the two most recent matches, with one being an international friendly, and the last one being the first leg of the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers.
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Nigeria vs Zimbabwe Team News and Possible Lineups
Osimhen opened his 2026 WCQ account last time out, taking him to second in Nigeria’s all-time scorers list. He will look to add to this tally, as he chases Rasheedi Yekini who is currently number one on the list (37).
Chelle deployed his favored 4-3-1-2 formation against Rwanda with Osimhen and Moses Simon as the front , while Ademola Lookman played in the hole.
He is likely going to stick with this same setup for Tuesday's clash.
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Zimbabwe arrived Nigeria early after the draw with Benin, giving them extra hours of rest. Head coach Michael Nees will likely stick with the same side from the draw against Benin.
Nigeria Predicted lineup (4-4-2)
Nwabali (GK); Aina, Troost-Ekong, Bassey, Onyemaechi; Ndidi, Chukwueze, Iwobi, Lookman; Osimhen, Simon
Zimbabwe Predicted lineup (4-2-3-1)
Arubi (GK); Jalai, Garan’anga, Takwara, Lunga; Rinomhota, Munetsi; Zemura, Billiat, Musona; Chirewa
Nigeria vs Zimbabwe Predictions & Betting Tips
The Super Eagles were depleted in the first leg against Zimbabwe, but with Osimhen back in the fold, they will have too much quality for the Warriors.
Nigeria to win
Under 3.5
Under 11.5 corners