Zimbabwe vs Nigeria, 2026 World Cup Qualifying - CAF, Group Stage
· FIFA World Cup Qualifying - CAFAbout
Match Commentary
- 0': Lineups are announced and players are warming up.
- 0': First Half begins.
- 26': Goal! Zimbabwe 1, Nigeria 0. Walter Musona (Zimbabwe) right footed shot from the centre of the box to the centre of the goal.
- 45': Calvin Bassey (Nigeria) is shown the yellow card for a bad foul.
- 45'+3': First Half ends, Zimbabwe 1, Nigeria 0.
- 45': Second Half begins Zimbabwe 1, Nigeria 0.
- 45': Substitution, Nigeria. Bright Osayi-Samuel replaces Ola Aina.
- 45': Substitution, Nigeria. Kelechi Iheanacho replaces Nathan Tella.
- 45': Substitution, Nigeria. Victor Boniface replaces Frank Onyeka.
- 56': Marvelous Nakamba (Zimbabwe) is shown the yellow card for a bad foul.
- 67': Goal! Zimbabwe 1, Nigeria 1. Kelechi Iheanacho (Nigeria) left footed shot from the centre of the box to the centre of the goal. Assisted by Moses Simon.
- 69': Substitution, Zimbabwe. Obriel Chirinda replaces Walter Musona.
- 70': Prince Dube (Zimbabwe) is shown the yellow card.
- 70': Substitution, Zimbabwe. Munashe Garananga replaces Prince Dube.
- 77': Substitution, Nigeria. Umar Sadiq replaces Terem Moffi.
- 83': Substitution, Zimbabwe. Divine Lunga replaces Andrew Mbeba.
- 83': Substitution, Zimbabwe. Tanaka Shandirwa replaces Andy Rinomhota.
- 85': Substitution, Nigeria. Jamilu Collins replaces Bruno Onyemaechi.
- 87': Jamilu Collins (Nigeria) is shown the yellow card for a bad foul.
- 90': Umar Sadiq (Nigeria) is shown the yellow card for a bad foul.
- 90'+3': Substitution, Zimbabwe. Terrence Dzvukamanja replaces Tino Kadewere.
- 90'+8': Second Half ends, Zimbabwe 1, Nigeria 1.
- 0': Match ends, Zimbabwe 1, Nigeria 1.
Game Information
Venue: Stade Huye
Location: Butare, Rwanda
Attendance: 2,876
WCQ - CAF Standings
| # | TEAM | GP | GD | PTS |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | South Africa | 7 | +8 | 16 |
| 2 | Benin | 7 | 0 | 11 |
| 3 | Nigeria | 7 | +2 | 10 |
| 4 | Rwanda | 7 | -1 | 8 |
Line-Ups
Zimbabwe (4-3-3)
| No. | Name |
|---|---|
| 1 | Bernard Donovan (GK) |
| 15 | Teenage Hadebe |
| 2 | Gerald Takwara |
| 3 | Jordan Zemura |
| 23 | Andrew Mbeba |
| 18 | Marvelous Nakamba  |
| 10 | Andy Rinomhota |
| 8 | Marshall Munetsi |
| 11 | Tino Kadewere |
| 12 | Walter Tatenda Musona |
| 14 | Prince Dube |
Nigeria (4-4-2)
| No. | Name |
|---|---|
| 23 | Francis Uzoho (GK) |
| 17 | Calvin Bassey |
| 6 | Semi Ajayi |
| 21 | Bruno Onyemaechi |
| 2 | Ola Aina |
| 18 | Alex Iwobi |
| 8 | Frank Onyeka |
| 15 | Moses Simon |
| 11 | Nathan Tella |
| 9 | Terem Moffi |
| 10 | Joe Aribo |
WCQ - CAF News
The race for the 2026 World Cup is drawing to a close. Here's how it's looking around the globe.
As Nigeria prepare to go into two decisive 2026 World Cup qualifiers against Rwanda and South Africa, forward Moses Simon says the Super Eagles must 'give no excuses' after a series of poor performances.
While some of Africa's top teams could secure their places in the USA, Canada and Mexico for next year's FIFA World Cup, other heavyweights are in danger of missing out completely... yes, we're talking about you, Nigeria.
Bafana Bafana will face Lesotho at Bloemfontein's Toyota Stadium (Free State Stadium) on Friday in a vital FIFA World Cup qualifier that is technically an away game - but one they will play on home turf in South Africa.
Rangers forward Cyriel Dessers has been handed a recall to the Nigeria squad on the back of his outstanding 2025 Unity Cup performance, which the Super Eagles won this offseason in London.