by Emmanuel Atanga | Mar 22, 2025 | Africa, International, Nigeria, Soccer, World Cup
Benin Republic head coach, Gernot Rohr, has downplayed Zimbabwe’s chances of qualifying for the 2026 World Cup after their 2-2 draw with his side on Thursday evening. Despite their spirited comeback against the Cheetahs, Rohr believes the Warriors are now out of the race.
Zimbabwe clawed back from a two-goal deficit, with strikes from Marshall Munetsi and Knowledge Musona cancelling out early goals by Steve Mounié and Dokou Dodo. Although Benin temporarily topped Group C with eight points, South Africa’s 2-0 victory over Lesotho saw them reclaim the lead.
Speaking at the post-match press conference, Rohr acknowledged his team’s dominance in the first half but admitted Zimbabwe’s resilience after the break.
“The 2-2 draw is okay. In the first half, we were the better team, but Zimbabwe dominated the second half. One point is always better than nothing,” Rohr stated.
He further dismissed Zimbabwe’s hopes of making the World Cup, given their position in the group. “We knew this was their last chance to qualify. Now, with three points, it is finished. But they are fighters, and I expect the same energy from them against Nigeria in Uyo and in their remaining matches.”
Benin’s home matches are currently played at the Felix Houphouet Boigny Stadium in Abidjan due to CAF’s declaration that their stadiums are below required standards. Rohr reflected on the challenges of playing in a neutral venue and the overwhelming presence of Nigerian supporters.
“We never lost in Abidjan, but the atmosphere feels like an away game. Against Nigeria, it was loud. People were shouting ‘Osimhen, Osimhen’ behind both goals. It didn’t feel like we had home advantage,” Rohr remarked.
Meanwhile, the Super Eagles have arrived in Uyo after their 2-0 win over Rwanda and have commenced preparations for their clash with Zimbabwe on Tuesday. With both teams eager to secure vital points, Rohr anticipates another hard-fought contest.
by Emmanuel Atanga | Mar 22, 2025 | Africa, International, Nigeria, Soccer, World Cup
The Super Eagles of Nigeria reignited their 2026 World Cup qualifying campaign with a commanding 2-0 victory over Rwanda at the Amahoro Stadium.
Facing mounting pressure after a string of underwhelming results, Nigeria needed a win to keep their qualification hopes alive. Despite earlier setbacks, including a loss to Benin and draws against Lesotho, Zimbabwe, and South Africa, the three-time African champions delivered when it mattered most.
Galatasaray striker Victor Osimhen was the hero of the day, netting twice in the first half to give Nigeria a comfortable lead. His clinical finishing showcased the quality that had been missing in previous outings.
Rwanda’s defender Ange Mutsinzi, who played the entire match, acknowledged the Super Eagles’ superior desire and intensity.
“I think they (Nigeria) came strong, and they wanted to win,” Mutsinzi admitted after the game. “They deserve it. They have a good team and good strikers. We have quality also, but we won the last game, and they won this one—who knows the next?”
The win lifts Nigeria to fourth place in Group C of the World Cup qualifiers. With a home clash against Zimbabwe on the horizon, the Super Eagles have a golden opportunity to climb further up the table.
New coach Eric Chelle marked his debut with an important win but knows there is still work to be done. While Nigeria showed hunger and grit, questions remain about their creativity against lower-ranked teams. Chelle will also need to fine-tune his player selection to maximize the squad’s potential.
With the next match against Zimbabwe looming, fans will expect nothing less than another three points on home soil. The journey to the 2026 World Cup is far from over, but Nigeria’s victory over Rwanda is a step in the right direction.
by Emmanuel Atanga | Mar 22, 2025 | Africa, International, Nigeria, Soccer, World Cup
After a vital 2-0 triumph over Rwanda in Kigali, the Super Eagles of Nigeria return to the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium in Uyo, aiming to secure consecutive victories and reignite their 2026 World Cup qualification hopes.
Just weeks ago, Nigeria’s chances of making it to the World Cup looked slim. A poor start—three draws and a defeat in their opening four matches—left the team stranded in fifth place in Group C, trailing rivals South Africa, Rwanda, and Benin Republic.
But under new head coach Eric Chelle, the Super Eagles delivered when it mattered most. Led by the brilliance of Victor Osimhen, Nigeria claimed a decisive win in Kigali that breathed life back into their campaign.
Now, with only South Africa winning elsewhere, a victory against Zimbabwe on Tuesday could see Nigeria climb to second place—putting them within reach of Bafana Bafana as the qualifying race heats up.
Zimbabwe’s Fight for Redemption
Zimbabwe arrive in Uyo with their own ambitions, desperate to climb off the bottom of the table. The Warriors showed resilience last time out, rallying from 2-0 down to earn a 2-2 draw against Benin Republic. Goals from Marshall Munetsi and captain Knowledge Musona salvaged a crucial point, with Udinese’s Jordan Zemura playing a pivotal role by providing both assists.
However, history is not on Zimbabwe’s side. The Warriors have never beaten Nigeria in a competitive fixture—their only win came in a friendly back in 1981. Since then, the Super Eagles remain unbeaten in seven meetings, including a dominant 5-1 victory in a 2005 World Cup qualifier.
The teams’ last encounter, in November 2023, ended in a 1-1 draw, with Kelechi Iheanacho’s late strike canceling out Walter Musona’s stunning free-kick. But much has changed for Nigeria since—AFCON heartbreak, multiple managerial shifts, and a tactical reset under Chelle.
Tactical Battle and Team News
Chelle’s blueprint was clear in Kigali—aggressive pressing, attacking flair, and defensive cohesion. If Nigeria stick to that script, Zimbabwe could face a tough evening in Uyo.
The Super Eagles are expected to field a strong lineup despite fitness concerns. Bright Osayi-Samuel remains a doubt with a dead leg, meaning Ola Aina could shift to right-back while Bruno Onyemaechi fills in on the left.
Victor Osimhen, despite signs of fatigue, is likely to spearhead the attack alongside Ademola Lookman and Moses Simon, both of whom impressed against Rwanda. Meanwhile, Samuel Chukwueze—despite struggling to adapt to Chelle’s system—may keep his place after assisting Osimhen’s second goal.
For Zimbabwe, coach Michael Nees will rely on the creativity of Musona and Zemura to unlock Nigeria’s defense. Young forward Tawanda Chirewa could also play a key role as the Warriors seek an upset.
Match Details
Competition: CAF World Cup Qualifiers (Matchday 6)
Fixture: Nigeria vs Zimbabwe
Venue: Godswill Akpabio International Stadium, Uyo
Date: Tuesday, March 25, 2025
Kickoff Time: 5 PM (Nigerian Time)
Prediction
Nigeria’s morale is soaring, and with Chelle’s fresh tactical approach, the Super Eagles will be confident of taking all three points. Zimbabwe’s dismal record—just one win in their last 23 World Cup qualifiers—suggests they face an uphill battle.
While Nigeria have stumbled at home before, Chelle’s side looks rejuvenated and focused. Expect a commanding performance from the Super Eagles, with a high-scoring win the most likely outcome.
Prediction: Nigeria 3-0 Zimbabwe
by Emmanuel Atanga | Mar 22, 2025 | Africa, Europe, Ghana, International, Soccer
Ghanaian midfielder Kwame Poku played a crucial role in Peterborough United’s dominant 3-0 victory over Charlton Athletic in Round 38 of the English League One season.
The 23-year-old, who has been in fine form this season, started the match at the Weston Homes Stadium and lasted 54 minutes before being substituted. Poku made an immediate impact, providing a brilliant assist for Sam Hughes’ opening goal in the 38th minute, setting the tone for a commanding performance by the home side.
Peterborough extended their lead before the half-time break when England international Abraham Odoh found the back of the net. The hosts sealed the emphatic win in the 79th minute through Malik Mothersille, capping off a dominant display against their visitors.
Poku’s early substitution did little to overshadow his impressive contribution. The Ghanaian has been a standout performer for Peterborough United this season, tallying 10 goals and 6 assists in 20 league appearances. Across all competitions, he boasts 19 goal involvements, with 10 goals and 9 assists from 23 matches.
Despite the comprehensive win, Peterborough United remain 15th in the League One standings with 45 points from 37 matches, making a push for Championship promotion unlikely.
by Emmanuel Atanga | Mar 22, 2025 | Africa, Ghana, International, Soccer, World Cup
Ghana’s Antoine Semenyo has set his sights on the Black Stars’ upcoming clash with Madagascar after their commanding 5-0 victory against Chad in the 2026 World Cup qualifiers.
The Bournemouth forward wasted no time making his mark, scoring the opening goal just 90 seconds into the game. Ghana maintained relentless pressure throughout the match, with Inaki Williams, Jordan Ayew, Mohammed Salisu, and Ernest Nuamah all adding their names to the scoresheet.
Reflecting on the emphatic win, Semenyo emphasized the importance of shifting focus to their next challenge.
“The 5-0 is important, but like the coach said, Monday is the most important, so we are just ready for that really. But it was a vintage performance today,” he said.
The Black Stars entered the match with a clear objective: to win decisively and claim the top spot in Group I. Semenyo highlighted their motivation to make a statement after a disappointing Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) campaign.
“Coming into the game, we wanted to win, we wanted to score as many goals as possible, and also get first place in the group,” he explained. “I think from the previous games in AFCON, things didn’t go well, so we wanted to win to get a big start in the remaining qualifiers.”
With 12 points at the top of Group I, a victory against Madagascar on Monday would further cement Ghana’s path to the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
