The Super Eagles of Nigeria are gearing up for a crucial encounter against the Warriors of Zimbabwe in the 2026 FIFA World Cup African Qualification Series. The match, slated for Matchday 6, will be held at the Godswill Akpabio Stadium in Uyo, where Nigeria seeks to secure a vital victory that could significantly boost their chances of qualifying for the World Cup.

Currently positioned fourth in Group C with six points, the Super Eagles are determined to climb the ranks. Team captain William Ekong has emphasized the team's unwavering focus on securing all three points, stating, “We are looking forward to a win. At this stage, we cannot afford to drop any more points. Our aim is to take it one match at a time and hope that these points will be enough to get us the ticket.”

Zimbabwe, sitting at the bottom of the table with three points, will be equally eager to improve their standing. Their 45-man contingent, led by ZIFA Vice President Kennedy Ndebele, arrived in Uyo shortly after the Super Eagles, setting the stage for an intense competition.

While the Warriors had their training session on Sunday morning, the Super Eagles trained in the evening, observed by key figures including members of the NFF Executive Committee, General Secretary Dr Mohammed Sanusi, SSA to Mr. President Anthony Adeyinka Adeboye, Akwa Ibom State Commissioner for Sports Etubom Paul Bassey, and former NFF General Secretary Barr. Musa Amadu.

FIFA has appointed Eritrean official Teklu Mogos Tsegay as the referee for the match, with his compatriots assisting him. Ghanaian Prosper Harrison Addo will serve as the commissioner, while Paulin Ilboudo from Burkina Faso will be the referee assessor.

In other group C matches, leaders South Africa, with 10 points, will face second-placed Benin Republic. Lesotho will tackle Rwanda in Kigali.

Corporate partners of the Nigeria Football Federation have stepped up to provide incentives for the Super Eagles. Nigerian Breweries, through their brands Goldberg, Life Continental, and Zagg Energy drink, will sponsor the Man-of-the-match award with a prize of one million naira. Carloha, the official automobile company of the NFF, will sponsor the Chery Most Valuable Player award, also for one million naira. Sports journalists will be responsible for selecting the recipients of these awards.

The NFF has announced that the first 500 fans to purchase match tickets will receive a Super Eagles’ home jersey. Match tickets are priced at N3000 for VIP seats and N1000 for regular seats.

Coach Michael Nees of Zimbabwe has stressed the importance of a strong start for his team, emphasizing total concentration from beginning to end. Meanwhile, Super Eagles coach Eric Chelle is expected to maintain the same starting lineup that secured a 2-0 victory against Rwanda.

The predicted lineup for Nigeria includes Nwabali in goal; Ekong, Bassey, Aina, and Onyemaechi in defense; Iwobi, Ndidi, and Onyedika in midfield; and Lookman, Simon, and Osimhen in attack. Zimbabwe's predicted lineup features Arubi; Jalai, Garananga, Takwara, and Lunga in defense; Munetsi and Rinomhota in midfield; and Musona, Billiat, Zemura, and Dube in attack.

Super Eagles captain William Troost-Ekong has cautioned his teammates against complacency, highlighting the significance of securing all three points. A victory against Zimbabwe is crucial for Nigeria's World Cup qualification aspirations.