Win Secured, But Questions Remain
Following their much-needed 2-0 victory over Rwanda, the Super Eagles of Nigeria have finally kick-started their 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifying campaign. But as they prepare to face Zimbabwe on Tuesday, there’s no room for complacency.
While the performance in Kigali offered promise — including a clinical brace from Victor Osimhen — there were visible gaps in execution. To maintain momentum and truly assert their dominance, Nigeria must improve against Zimbabwe in key areas of the pitch.
More Efficiency in Attack
Yes, Osimhen delivered, but the truth is Nigeria’s attack still leaned too heavily on him. Moses Simon and Samuel Chukwueze were inconsistent in delivering meaningful crosses or breaking lines. Outside of Ademola Lookman’s creativity, chances were few and far between.
For Nigeria to dismantle Zimbabwe’s backline, they must:
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Increase movement and link-up play in the final third
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Encourage goal contributions from multiple sources
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Improve finishing beyond Osimhen
A one-man goal engine won’t be sustainable across a grueling qualification campaign.
Defensive Coordination Must Tighten
Although the Super Eagles kept a clean sheet, Rwanda rarely threatened. That won’t be the case against Zimbabwe, who are expected to play with more intent.
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Bright Osayi-Samuel offered some attacking thrust but was caught out defensively
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Ola Aina had a mixed game and struggled under pressure
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Defensive lapses in shape and positioning could have been punished by a better team
While Troost-Ekong and Bassey were generally solid, Nigeria’s backline must remain organized, especially during:
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Set pieces
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Fast counterattacks
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Defensive transitions
Against Zimbabwe, who may exploit any defensive slackness, these issues must be fixed.
Midfield Control Still a Work in Progress
In midfield, Wilfred Ndidi and Alex Iwobi were essential — but not entirely dominant. Rwanda had pockets of control and won key second balls, especially in the first half.
To gain the upper hand against Zimbabwe, Nigeria must:
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Improve ball retention and passing accuracy
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Press higher and with more structure
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Avoid careless fouls — like Ndidi’s yellow card, which could become costly later
The late introduction of Raphael Onyedika brought some much-needed balance. Against a more dynamic Zimbabwe side, Chelle might need to consider starting him or tweaking the shape to a more defensively aware midfield.
Improvement Is Non-Negotiable
Nigeria must improve against Zimbabwe — no excuses. The victory against Rwanda was vital, but the road to the World Cup remains long and unforgiving. If the Super Eagles can:
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Diversify their attack
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Fix defensive lapses
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Control the midfield
They will not only defeat Zimbabwe but begin to re-establish themselves as Africa’s most formidable force.
