Nigeria have been held by Zimbabwe in World Cup qualification. The Super Eagles, who had made a disastrous start to qualifying, recorded comfortable 2-0 victory away in Rwanda in new head coach Eric Chelle’s first game in charge on Friday. However, despite taking the lead with a quarter of the game to go on Tuesday, they failed to see out the result.
It took until the 74th minute for the hosts to break the deadlock as Victor Osimhen headed home to finally get the better of Washington Arubi - who had been in superb form for the visitors. But there was still time for late drama when Tawanda Chirewa toe-poked the ball underneath Stanley Nwabali in the 90th minute to earn the visitors an unlikely point.
That said, Chelle’s side now trail Group C leaders South Africa by six points with four qualifiers remaining. This means finishing second to secure a play-off spot becomes the most realistic target for Nigeria as they seek to book their place among the world’s elite next summer. Follow Nigeria vs Zimbabwe back using our blog below!
Nigeria vs Zimbabwe latest news
- GOAL! Osimhen breaks the deadlock
- GOAL! Chirewa equalises late on
Victor Osimhen goal not enough as Nigeria held
18:28 , Tashan Deniran-AlleyneNigeria saw their hopes of sealing automatic qualification for the 2026 World Cup suffer a massive blow after conceding a 90th minute equaliser to draw 1-1 with Zimbabwe.
FULL-TIME
17:56 , Tashan Deniran-AlleyneNigeria 1-1 Zimbabwe
The points are shared in this World Cup qualifier. Nigeria will be gutted as they lead going into injury time. Four points from two games in this window may not be enough for the Super Eagles.
Nigeria 1-1 Zimbabwe
17:54 , Tashan Deniran-Alleyne90+4 min: Into the last few seconds, Aina winds up a long throw which causes pinball in the area.
Bassey does well to win a corner. This is it for Nigeria!
GOAL! Nigeria 1-1 Zimbabwe | Tawanda Chirewa '90
17:51 , Tashan Deniran-Alleyne90 min: GOALLLLL
Heartbreak for Nigeria right at the death as Tawanda Chirewa tip-toes his way into the box and toe pokes the ball under Nwabali for the equaliser.
Nigeria 1-0 Zimbabwe
17:49 , Tashan Deniran-Alleyne89 min: Lesotho have equalised against Rwanda!
As things stand, Nigeria will move up to second.
Nigeria 1-0 Zimbabwe
17:46 , Tashan Deniran-Alleyne86 min: Concern for Nigeria as Osimhen is down. Looks like cramp but Bonafice is being readied.
Yes, that is the substitution as the goalscorer goes off.
Nigeria 1-0 Zimbabwe
17:44 , Tashan Deniran-Alleyne83 min: CHANCE!
Big chance for Nigeria to wrap this game up as Simon slips in Ndidi who snatches at the ball and spoons the ball well wide.
Surely the Leicester man had to use his left foot, instead he went with his right and the effort was rather poor.
Nigeria 1-0 Zimbabwe
17:40 , Tashan Deniran-Alleyne80 min: Following the collision with Nwabali, the substitute Dzvukamanja has been substituted for Chirewa
Nigeria 1-0 Zimbabwe
17:39 , Tashan Deniran-Alleyne78 min: Nigeria change sees Iwobi replaced by Raphael Onyedika
Nigeria 1-0 Zimbabwe
17:38 , Tashan Deniran-Alleyne76 min: CROSSBAR
Extraordinary scenes as Zimbabwe, somehow, aren’t back on level terms immediately. Ball is played across the face of goal, Nwabali rushes off his line and doesn’t claim it and Musona sees his effort hit the underside of the bar.
Nigeria 1-0 Zimbabwe
17:36 , Tashan Deniran-Alleyne75 min: A lot of credit must go to Arokodare for the goal as he done well to hold the ball up before passing it to Aina.
GOAL! Nigeria 1-0 Zimbabwe | Victor Osimhen '73
17:34 , Tashan Deniran-Alleyne73 min: GOALLLLLLLLLL
Deadlock broken and it’s that man again! Victor Osimhen stoops to head home Ola Aina’s cross and Arubi is finally beaten.
Nigeria 0-0 Zimbabwe
17:31 , Tashan Deniran-Alleyne72 min: Zimbabwe enjoying a bit of possession but Ndidi wins the ball back and looks to pick out Arokodare.
Nigeria 0-0 Zimbabwe
17:28 , Tashan Deniran-Alleyne68 min: Arokodare meets another great cross into the box but he heads the ball over the bar.
Nigeria 0-0 Zimbabwe
17:26 , Tashan Deniran-Alleyne66 min: Decent opportunity for Zimbabwe on the break as Dzvukamanja skies an effort over the bar.
Nigeria 0-0 Zimbabwe
17:24 , Tashan Deniran-Alleyne64 min: News coming through from goals elsewhere in Group C!
South Africa lead against Benin and Rwanda have broken the deadlock against Lesoto.
Just as that happens, Arokodare has a header brilliantly tipped over the bar by Arubi.
Nigeria 0-0 Zimbabwe
17:23 , Tashan Deniran-Alleyne63 min: Zimbabwe make their first change of the game as Musona is replaced by Dzvukamanja.
Nigeria 0-0 Zimbabwe
17:21 , Tashan Deniran-Alleyne61 min: CLOSE
Lookman does superbly to create space and he looks to catch Arubi out at the near post with his shot, but his effort is off target.
Nigeria 0-0 Zimbabwe
17:19 , Tashan Deniran-Alleyne58 min: Iwobi picks out Lookman in the penalty area, the Nigeria forward tried to turn but he’s crowded out.
First Nigeria substitute as Chukwueze is replaced by Tolu Arokodare.
Nigeria 0-0 Zimbabwe
17:15 , Tashan Deniran-Alleyne55 min: Brief respite for Zimbabwe as Musona strides forward but he lashes an effort well wide.
Nigeria 0-0 Zimbabwe
17:14 , Tashan Deniran-Alleyne54 min: Simon has seen a lot of the ball early in the second half but another Nigeria attack breaks down as Aina sends the ball out of play as he looks for Osimhen at the back post.
It’s turning out to be a frustrating outing for Osimhen as he can’t get on the end of Simon’s teasing cross.
Nigeria 0-0 Zimbabwe
17:11 , Tashan Deniran-Alleyne50 min: BIG CHANCE
Simon flashes the ball into Iwobi who can’t convert from close range. The Fulham midfielder, perhaps should score, but there’s an argument the ball came at him very quickly and he couldn’t adjust his feet in time.
Nigeria 0-0 Zimbabwe
17:09 , Tashan Deniran-Alleyne49 min: Great play from Osayi down the right as he digs out a cross which is just too high for Osimhen who had an open net right in front of him.
Zimbabwe will have to weather the storm.
Nigeria 0-0 Zimbabwe
17:07 , Tashan Deniran-Alleyne47 min: Strong start to the second half by Nigeria, Simon - in particular - has been bright down the left.
Nigeria 0-0 Zimbabwe
17:04 , Tashan Deniran-AlleyneBack underway in this World Cup qualifier. Can Nigeria find a breakthrough or will Zimbabwe hold on for at least a point?
Around the grounds
16:59 , Tashan Deniran-AlleyneHere are the half-time scores from Group C:
Benin 0-0 South Africa
Rwanda 0-0 Lesotho
Half-time!
16:49 , Tashan Deniran-AlleyneAnd there goes the whistle. Goalless at the break between Nigeria and Zimbabwe.
The hosts started strong but have found Washington Arubi in fine form.
Nigeria 0-0 Zimbabwe
16:47 , Tashan Deniran-Alleyne45 min: Iwobi fires a shot over the bar. Two minutes of stoppage time to play.
Nigeria 0-0 Zimbabwe
16:44 , Tashan Deniran-Alleyne43 min: Nigeria have stepped things up in the last minute or so as they seek an opener before the interval.
Nigeria 0-0 Zimbabwe
16:43 , Tashan Deniran-Alleyne41 min: PENALTY?
Osimhen goes down in the area and appeals for a penalty. However, nothing is given.
Nigeria 0-0 Zimbabwe
16:42 , Tashan Deniran-Alleyne40 min: WHAT A BLOCK
Lookman looks poised to break the deadlock but his effort is superbly blocked by the onrushing Garananga.
Nigeria 0-0 Zimbabwe
16:41 , Tashan Deniran-Alleyne39 min: Nigeria just lacking a few ideas at the moment and it’s summed up by Ndidi passing the ball straight to Arubi.
Nigeria 0-0 Zimbabwe
16:36 , Tashan Deniran-Alleyne33 min: Lovely turn from Simon in the middle, he tries the more difficult pass to Osimhen over the top instead of releasing Aina down the left and the attack breaks down.
Signs that Nigeria are trying to force things.
Nigeria 0-0 Zimbabwe
16:33 , Tashan Deniran-Alleyne31 min: We have just passed the half hour mark and it remains goalless at the Godswill Akpabio Stadium in Uyo.
Chukwueze almost changes that as he sweeps the ball over the bar after being picked out in the area.
Nigeria 0-0 Zimbabwe
16:31 , Tashan Deniran-Alleyne28 min: Chukwueze runs at his marker, Takwara, but the Zimbabwe defender does well to force a goal-kick.
Nigeria 0-0 Zimbabwe
16:29 , Tashan Deniran-Alleyne27 min: Osayi goes down just outside the area, it looked like a foul but the referee waves play on. Zimbabwe are able to move up the pitch, with Lunga in no rush to take a throw-in.
Nigeria 0-0 Zimbabwe
16:25 , Tashan Deniran-Alleyne23 min: Zimbabwe defence is standing tall at the moment. They do well to block Lookman’s effort and then catch Osimhen offside.
Nigeria 0-0 Zimbabwe
16:23 , Tashan Deniran-Alleyne21 min: Zimbabwe attempt to take a free-kick quickly but the referee calls them back. Zemura’s delivery is a low one which is comfortably dealt with.
Nigeria 0-0 Zimbabwe
16:22 , Tashan Deniran-Alleyne19 min: A moment for Aina to forget as he balloons the ball over the bar despite being in a great crossing position.
Down at the other end, Nwabali rushes off his line to smother the ball right in front of Billiat.
Nigeria 0-0 Zimbabwe
16:19 , Tashan Deniran-Alleyne17 min: Lookman tries his luck at goal and he’s not far away from hitting the target with a powerful volley as Arubi watches the ball fly over the bar.
Nigeria threaten again through Simon but he shoots into the side-netting, much to the annoyance of Osimhen who wanted the ball rolled across the face of goal.
Nigeria 0-0 Zimbabwe
16:16 , Tashan Deniran-Alleyne14 min: CLOSE
Almost a breakthrough for Zimbabwe as Musona latches on to a loose ball and does well to get the better of Aina before shooting into the side-netting.
An early warning for the home side.
Nigeria 0-0 Zimbabwe
16:15 , Tashan Deniran-Alleyne13 min: Free-kick to Zimbabwe, it’s a long way out by Musona takes it on and fires the ball well over the bar.
Nigeria 0-0 Zimbabwe
16:13 , Tashan Deniran-Alleyne11 min: After some treatment, Arubi is fine to continue.
Nigeria 0-0 Zimbabwe
16:12 , Tashan Deniran-Alleyne9 min: Arubi is having the game of his life!
He denies Osimhen again before racing off his line to, bravely, dive at the feet of Osayi.
That said, the Zimbabwe keeper appears to done himself some damage.
Nigeria 0-0 Zimbabwe
16:10 , Tashan Deniran-Alleyne8 min: Zimbabwe pour forward and K. Musona finds a bit of space before slicing an effort well wide.
At the other end, Arubi makes a double save in quick succession to deny Osimhen.
The second save was the more impressive as he keeps out a header from close range.
Nigeria 0-0 Zimbabwe
16:08 , Tashan Deniran-Alleyne6 min: Osimhen goes for an acrobatic overhead kick but the ball flies over the bar. A first sighting of goal for the Nigeria striker.
Nigeria 0-0 Zimbabwe
16:07 , Tashan Deniran-Alleyne4 min: Musona sends a free-kick into the box and Nwabali commands his area but punching the ball away. The Nigeria goalkeeper crashes into Munetsi but the offside flag was up regardless.
Nigeria 0-0 Zimbabwe
16:04 , Tashan Deniran-Alleyne2 min: First signs of link-up play between Osimhen and Lookman as they try to set Simon through on goal. However, Zimbabwe get enough players around the ball to snuff out the danger.
Simon is then found by Iwobi, cuts inside and fires at goal but Arubi makes a routine save.
KICK-OFF!
16:01 , Tashan Deniran-AlleyneWe are underway in this crucial World Cup qualifier.
Zimbabwe form
15:57 , Tashan Deniran-AlleyneZimbabwe are without a win in World Cup qualification so far, but can seal a top-two finish, as things currently stand.
Having said that, it will be a surprise if they Godswill Akpabio Stadium with at least a point.
Here we go!
15:53 , Tashan Deniran-AlleyneThe two teams are out onto the pitch.
Kick-off just a few minutes away, as Nigeria look to make it back-to-back wins in World Cup qualification.
As it stands
15:50 , Tashan Deniran-AlleyneNigeria start the day in fourth but could be in the qualification spots by the close of play.
For that to happen, the Super Eagles must win and hope Benin and Rwanda fail to beat South Africa and Lesotho respectively.
FIFA World rankings
15:45 , Tashan Deniran-AlleyneToday’s World Cup qualifier pits Nigeria, ranked 44 in the world against the team ranked 121.
However, Zimbabwe held the Super Eagles to a 1-1 draw in the reverse fixture in November 2023.
Nigeria vs Zimbabwe latest odds
15:40 , Tashan Deniran-AlleyneNigeria to win: 1/8
Draw: 7/2
Zimbabwe to win: 11/1
Odds via Betfair and subject to change
Nigeria vs Zimbabwe: Head to head history and results
15:35 , Tashan Deniran-AlleyneNigeria wins: 4
Draws: 2
Zimbabwe wins: 0
Zimbabwe changes
15:30 , Tashan Deniran-AlleyneJust the one change for Zimbabwe this afternoon as Prince Dube drops out of the team that started the 2-2 draw with Benin last time out.
His place in the XI goes to Walter Musona.
Team to face Nigeria.
— Zimbabwe Football Association (@online_zifa) March 25, 2025
One change: Walter Musona in for Prince Dube.#bayawabaya pic.twitter.com/Mi5PKNLO8U
Zimbabwe team in full
15:25 , Tashan Deniran-AlleyneZimbabwe XI: Arubi; Jalai, Garananga, Takwara, Lunga; Munetsi, Rinomhota; Billiat, K. Musona, Zemura; Musona
Ndlovu sends message to Zimbabwe stars
15:20 , Tashan Deniran-AlleynePeter Ndlovu, formerly of Sheffield United, Coventry City and Birmingham, has sent his countrymen a message ahead of today’s World Cup qualifier against Nigeria.
“Good luck to the Warriors for today's match against Nigeria,” he wrote on X. “Great comeback and fighting spirit against Benin.”
Good luck to the Warriors for today's match against Nigeria.
— Peter Ndlovu (@RealPeterNdlovu) March 25, 2025
Great comeback and fighting spirit against Benin.#bayawabaya🇿🇼 https://t.co/Q8ImWeuOjm
Nigeria unchanged
15:15 , Tashan Deniran-AlleyneUnsurprisingly, Eric Chelle has named an unchanged team for Nigeria’s clash against Zimbabwe. Victor Osimhen leads the line after netting a brace against Rwanda last Friday and Bright Osayi-Samuel is fit enough to start.
Nigeria team in full
15:10 , Tashan Deniran-AlleyneNigeria XI: Nwabali; Osayi; Ekong, Bassey, Aina; Chukwueze, Ndidi, Iwobi, Simon; Lookman, Osimhen
Nigeria lineup announced
15:05 , Tashan Deniran-AlleyneThis is how Nigeria will line-up this afternoon...
#SuperEagles Team News in
— 🇳🇬 Super Eagles (@NGSuperEagles) March 25, 2025
🟢⚪️
🪨 Aina, Osayi- Samuel wing backs
⚡️ Ndidi, Iwobi marshall the midfield
🙌🏽 Lookman, Osimhen lead attack line #SoarSuperEagles #NGAZIM pic.twitter.com/hQ7CEmEpgj
Earlier today
15:00 , Tashan Deniran-AlleynePrior to this afternoon’s huge game, the Nigeria went for their pre-match walk...
Team Walk pic.twitter.com/pUm4vYkZqJ
— 🇳🇬 Super Eagles (@NGSuperEagles) March 25, 2025
Michael Nees: Zimbabwe must 'accept the challenge' ahead
14:47 , George FloodZimbabwe’s German head coach Michael Nees is under no illusions as to the scale of the task facing his side in Uyo this afternoon, urging them to “accept the challenge” posed by Nigeria.
“They want to turn this campaign around, so we have to perform to our maximum,” he said.
“We can expect real tough opponents giving everything, so they must accept the challenge, the climate, the pace and enjoy it.
“Nigeria is halfway through the campaign. From an individual point of view, Nigeria are a top team with top-class players.
“They won in Rwanda and will come with confidence and their power.”
Eric Chelle: Nigeria expecting tough Zimbabwe test
14:36Eric Chelle was thrilled to secure such a vital win in his first match in charge of Nigeria, having been appointed in January to succeed interim coach Augustine Eguavoen.
It has been something of a tumultuous period for the Super Eagles with Finidi George resigning so soon last summer and predecessor Jose Peseiro having departed following the Africa Cup of Nations final defeat by Ivory Coast.
However, Chelle looks ready to bring some stability and is not overlooking the challenge posed by Zimbabwe today.
“We need to be focused on this second game,” he said this week. “It is the most important now. I am proud of what my players did in Rwanda. It was very difficult, but they did the job.
“We have done our training sessions, and we have to face the game because it is not going to be easy.
“Zimbabwe have a good team with good players and a good coach that has a good project. So we need to be focused and do the job.”
Nigeria vs Zimbabwe prediction
14:24 , George FloodFriday’s win in Kigali was huge for a Nigeria team who looked in serious danger of sinking without trace in World Cup qualifying having won none of their first four matches.
Revitalised by Victor Osimhen’s return and the appointment of former Mali boss Eric Chelle, the Super Eagles were much improved against Rwanda but still have a lot of work to do to get back in the frame for a return to the World Cup having missed the 2022 edition in Qatar.
Zimbabwe may be winless in their campaign so far, but they have lost only twice and showed terrific resolve to bounce back from a 2-0 deficit against Benin to seal a dramatic point and should not be taken lightly.
Nigeria to win, 2-0.
Zimbabwe team news
14:15 , George FloodZimbabwe are without captain Marvelous Nakamba, with the former Aston Villa midfielder sidelined after being injured playing for Championship strugglers Luton last month.
Nantes forward Tino Kadewere is among the other key absentees for Warriors head coach Michael Nees.
Nigeria team news
14:08 , George FloodThe second-half substitutions of Victor Osimhen - on a hat-trick at Amahoro Stadium - and Bright Osayi-Samuel in Kigali on Friday had led to questions over whether the pair might be injured and in danger of missing today’s visit of Zimbabwe.
However, Nigeria boss Eric Chelle dismissed any fitness concerns ahead of the game in Uyo with Fenerbahce right-back Osayi-Samuel having seemingly now shaken off a knock.
“No problem; all the players are fine and ready for the match,” he said.
How to watch Nigeria vs Zimbabwe
14:01 , George FloodTV channel and live stream: Today’s game is being broadcast live via FIFA’s in-house streaming service, FIFA+.
It is free to watch with a registration.
Nigeria vs Zimbabwe live
13:59 , George FloodHello and welcome to Standard Sport’s live coverage of today’s 2026 World Cup qualifier between Nigeria and Zimbabwe in Uyo.
The Super Eagles are out to make it back-to-back wins under new head coach Eric Chelle to get their qualification bid on track after Victor Osimhen notched a brace in Friday’s much-needed 2-0 win over Rwanda in Kigali.
Zimbabwe are winless at the bottom of Group C, but showed impressive fight to come back from 2-0 down to draw with Benin in their last outing.
Kick-off at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium is at 4pm GMT, so stay tuned for build-up, team news and live updates.
