Super Eagles captain William Troost-Ekong has assured fans that the team is fully focused on securing all three points in their upcoming 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifying match against Zimbabwe. The match, set to take place on Tuesday at the Godswill Akpabio Stadium in Uyo, is seen as a must-win for Nigeria as they push to improve their standing in Group C.
Speaking to journalists on Monday, Ekong noted that the team would approach the game with the same level of control and determination they displayed in their last match against Rwanda in Kigali. The Super Eagles secured a much-needed win in that encounter, which has given them renewed confidence in their World Cup qualification campaign.
“We are looking forward to a win. The three points are important to us. At this stage, we cannot afford to drop any more points,” Ekong said. “Our aim is to take it one match at a time, collect three points here and there and hope fervently that these will be enough to get us the ticket.”
Before their victory against Rwanda, Nigeria had struggled in the qualifiers, failing to win any of their first four games. This poor start left them in fifth place in the six-team group, putting their qualification hopes in jeopardy. However, their recent win lifted them to fourth place with six points.
Zimbabwe, meanwhile, sits at the bottom of the table with just three points and will be desperate to improve their standing. Their 45-man squad, led by ZIFA Vice President Kennedy Ndebele, arrived in Uyo on Friday, just an hour after the Nigerian team returned from Kigali.
Both teams have been preparing intensively for the clash. The Warriors trained at the Godswill Akpabio Stadium on Sunday morning, while the Super Eagles had their session in the evening. Officials from the Nigerian Football Federation (NFF), including General Secretary Mohammed Sanusi and SSA to the President Anthony Adeboye, were present to observe the training.
FIFA has appointed Eritrean referee Teklu Mogos Tsegay to officiate the match. He will be assisted by three compatriots, while Ghana’s Prosper Harrison Addo will serve as the match commissioner. Paulin Ilboudo from Burkina Faso has been assigned as the referee assessor.
Elsewhere in Group C, leaders South Africa, with 10 points, will face second-placed Benin Republic, who have eight points, in Abidjan. Lesotho, now in fifth place after losing to South Africa, will take on Rwanda in Kigali.
