Today, March 25, 2025, Nigeria faced Zimbabwe in a crucial 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifier at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium in Uyo, Nigeria. The match ended in a dramatic 1-1 draw, dealing a significant blow to Nigeria's hopes of securing an automatic qualification spot.

Nigeria, led by new head coach Eric Chelle, took the lead in the 74th minute when Victor Osimhen scored with a diving header, raising hopes of a second consecutive victory following their 2-0 win over Rwanda last Friday. However, Zimbabwe stunned the home crowd in the 90th minute when substitute Tawanda Chirewa, on loan from Huddersfield Town, poked the ball past goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali to equalize. This late goal silenced the Uyo crowd and left Nigeria with a bitter draw.

The Super Eagles dominated much of the game, creating several chances, particularly in the first half, where they forced Zimbabwe's goalkeeper Washington Arubi into six saves in the opening 10 minutes alone. Despite their attacking intent, Nigeria struggled with their final ball and lacked the clinical edge to convert opportunities into goals earlier in the match. Zimbabwe nearly leveled the score immediately after Osimhen’s goal when Knowledge Musona struck the crossbar, foreshadowing their late comeback.

This result leaves Nigeria fourth in Group C of the CAF qualifying section with six points after six matches, trailing leaders South Africa by six points following South Africa's 2-0 victory over Benin today. Zimbabwe, still winless in the campaign, earned a valuable point, bringing their total to three from six games.

The draw has intensified scrutiny on Nigeria's performance, with fans and analysts pointing to poor showings from players like Samuel Chukwueze, Bright Osayi-Samuel, and Alex Iwobi, as well as a shaky moment from Nwabali that nearly cost them earlier. With four qualifiers remaining, Nigeria’s path to the 2026 World Cup now looks increasingly challenging, likely shifting their focus to securing a playoff spot as a second-place finisher in the group.

Kigali, Rwanda – March 21, 2025 – Nigeria’s Super Eagles soared to a vital 2-0 win against Rwanda in a 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifier at Amahoro Stadium today, revitalizing their campaign in Group C. Victor Osimhen proved the hero of the night, scoring a first-half brace to hand new coach Eric Chelle a winning start in his debut competitive match.

The match kicked off at 6:00 PM local time (5:00 PM Nigerian time), with Nigeria desperate to break their winless streak after four qualifying matches (three draws, one loss). Rwanda, entering the game atop Group C with seven points, aimed to extend their unbeaten run against the Super Eagles, buoyed by a 2-1 victory over Nigeria in an AFCON qualifier last November.

Osimhen opened the scoring in the 11th minute, capitalizing on a precise assist from Ademola Lookman to slot the ball past Rwanda goalkeeper Fiacre Ntwari. Nigeria dominated early possession, with Wilfred Ndidi and Alex Iwobi controlling the midfield, while defenders William Troost-Ekong and Calvin Bassey stood firm against Rwanda’s counterattacks.

Just before halftime, Osimhen struck again in the 45+3rd minute, racing through Rwanda’s defense to double Nigeria’s lead. The goal came after a spell of pressure from the hosts, who had struggled to convert their chances. Rwanda’s tactical substitution in the 40th minute failed to shift the momentum, leaving them with a mountain to climb after the break.

The second half saw Rwanda push forward, focusing their attacks down Nigeria’s right flank. Two dangerous crosses in the 53rd minute tested the Super Eagles’ defense, but Bassey and goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali held strong. Nigeria responded with a double substitution in the 66th minute, bringing on Bruno Onyemaechi and Raphael Onyedika for Ola Aina and Samuel Chukwueze, respectively, to bolster their midfield and protect the lead.

As the clock ticked down, Nigeria managed the game with composure. Moses Simon grew into the second half, while Alhassan Yusuf and Onyedika dictated play, stifling Rwanda’s attempts to mount a comeback. A late offside call denied Lookman a chance to extend the scoreline, but the Super Eagles saw out the match comfortably.

The final whistle confirmed a 2-0 victory, earning Nigeria their first win in the qualifiers and lifting them to six points in Group C. Rwanda, despite the loss, remain in contention with seven points, though their lead at the top is now under threat. Osimhen’s brace brought his international tally to 25 goals, underlining his importance to Nigeria’s World Cup aspirations.

Coach Chelle praised his team’s resilience, stating, “This was a tough test, but the boys showed character. We needed this win, and now we build from here.” Rwanda’s coach, Adel Amrouche, acknowledged Nigeria’s clinical edge, saying, “We had our moments, but we couldn’t take them. Credit to Nigeria—they punished us.”

The Super Eagles of Nigeria are gearing up for a critical phase in their 2026 FIFA World Cup qualification campaign, with their next match set to take place against Rwanda on March 21, 2025, in Kigali. This upcoming fixture is part of a double-header in the international window, followed by a home game against Zimbabwe on March 25, 2025, at the Godswill Akpabio Stadium in Uyo. As of today, March 17, 2025, preparations are well underway, with the team’s camp in Kigali already open and players beginning to arrive.

The Super Eagles have entered a pivotal moment in their quest to qualify for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, to be held across the United States, Canada, and Mexico. Currently positioned fifth in their six-team Group C with only three points from four matches, Nigeria’s campaign has been underwhelming so far. The team has yet to secure a win, drawing against Lesotho, Zimbabwe, and South Africa, while suffering a 2-1 defeat to Benin in June 2024. With six games remaining, the pressure is on to turn their fortunes around, as only the group winner earns an automatic spot in the tournament, while the second-placed team must navigate a playoff.

Under the guidance of newly appointed head coach Eric Chelle, who took over following Augustine Eguavoen’s interim stint, the Super Eagles are focusing on revitalizing their squad and strategy. Chelle recently released his first provisional squad list for the March qualifiers, signaling a blend of experience and fresh talent. A notable highlight is the return of veteran captain Ahmed Musa, whose leadership and experience—spanning over 100 caps and two World Cup appearances—are expected to bolster the team’s morale and attacking options. Other key players like Victor Osimhen, a talismanic striker, are also central to the preparations, with early arrivals in camp showing commitment to the cause.

As of March 17, several players have already joined the camp in Kigali, including goalkeepers Amas Obasogie and Kayode Bankole, forwards Tolu Arokodare and Victor Osimhen, and defenders Bruno Onyemaechi and Papa Daniel. Coach Chelle himself arrived in Kigali on the night of March 16, setting the stage for intensive training sessions ahead of the Rwanda clash. More players are expected to trickle in throughout the week as the team fine-tunes its tactics.

The Super Eagles’ preparation is not without challenges. Their recent form, including a surprising 2-1 loss to Rwanda in an Africa Cup of Nations qualifier in November 2024, has raised concerns. However, with qualification for AFCON 2025 already secured, the focus has shifted entirely to the World Cup, and Chelle will aim to address defensive vulnerabilities and sharpen the team’s finishing—areas that have faltered in recent outings.

The Super Eagles’ next test comes against Rwanda on March 21, 2025, in a match that carries significant weight. Rwanda currently leads Group C, making this an uphill battle for Nigeria on away soil. Historically, Nigeria has struggled against Rwanda, winning just two of their seven encounters, with four draws and one loss—including that recent defeat in Uyo. The Amavubi, as Rwanda’s national team is known, have proven to be a tricky opponent, and their confidence will be high following their upset victory over Nigeria last year.

For Nigeria, this match is a must-win to reignite their World Cup hopes. A victory could propel them closer to the top of the group, especially with a favorable home game against bottom-placed Zimbabwe looming four days later. Key players like Osimhen, who has a knack for delivering in big moments, and Musa, with his wealth of experience, will be crucial. The team will also look to leverage the pace and creativity of players like Samuel Chukwueze, who scored a stunning solo goal in the last meeting with Rwanda, despite the eventual loss.

Chelle’s tactical approach will likely emphasize discipline at the back to counter Rwanda’s quick transitions—exposed in their last encounter—and a more clinical edge in attack. With the squad assembling early, there’s ample time to build cohesion and address weaknesses exposed in previous qualifiers.

The Super Eagles stand at a crossroads. Success in these upcoming matches could shift the momentum in Group C, where they trail second-placed South Africa by four points and leaders Rwanda by more. With six games left, including home and away fixtures against Benin, Lesotho, and South Africa, there’s still a pathway to qualification—but it begins with a strong showing in Kigali. For Nigerian fans, the hope is that this blend of seasoned stars and emerging talents, under Chelle’s leadership, can rediscover the form that has seen the Super Eagles grace six World Cup tournaments in the past.