The city of Uyo braces itself for a high-stakes battle as Nigeria’s Super Eagles prepare to take on Zimbabwe in a crucial 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifier on March 25. Both teams find themselves in unfamiliar territory—winless after four games and desperate for a spark to ignite their qualification campaign.

For Zimbabwe’s head coach, Michael Nees, Nigeria may seem like giants on paper, but their recent struggles make them vulnerable. “They are like wounded lions,” Nees declared, acknowledging the Super Eagles’ hunger to turn their fortunes around. However, he firmly believes his Warriors can defy the odds and claim a historic victory in Uyo.

The Super Eagles, under new head coach Eric Chelle, are undergoing a transformation. The departure of José Peseiro led to a reshuffle, with fresh faces called up to rejuvenate the squad. Among them is Genk’s in-form striker, Tolu Arokodare, who has netted 18 goals this season and could provide an aerial threat in Osimhen’s absence. Slavia Praha’s Igho Ogbu strengthens the defense, while midfield reinforcements such as Chrisantus Uche and Anthony Dennis bring depth.

Zimbabwe, too, has undergone changes, with Nees taking over from previous coaches Baltemar Britto and Jairos Tapera. Though they sit bottom of Group C, the Warriors believe Nigeria’s inconsistency presents a golden opportunity to stage an upset.

With both teams fighting for survival, the clash in Uyo is set to be a fierce encounter. Will the wounded lions of Nigeria roar back to life, or will Zimbabwe pull off a stunning upset? The battle lines are drawn.