Zimbabwe’s national football team players have been promised a cash reward of $150,000 each if they manage to defeat Nigeria’s Super Eagles in their upcoming 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifying match. This incentive is part of a broader effort to boost the Warriors’ morale as they aim to secure a spot in the expanded tournament, which will be co-hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico.
Initially, the Zimbabwean government had set aside $150,000 for the players, technical crew, and support staff if they managed to beat Benin in their previous qualifier on Thursday. However, that match ended in a 2-2 draw, meaning they did not claim the full reward. Now, an additional $150,000 is on the table should they achieve a surprise victory over Nigeria in Uyo.
While the financial incentive is seen as a strong motivator for the Zimbabwean team, some fans view it as an underestimation of Nigeria’s footballing strength. The Super Eagles, who have won the African Cup of Nations three times, are one of the continent’s most respected teams. However, their performance in the current World Cup qualifying campaign has been underwhelming.
Nigeria has struggled in the qualifiers, failing to secure a single victory in four matches. The Super Eagles currently sit fifth in Group C, behind Rwanda, South Africa, Benin, Lesotho, and Zimbabwe. With only the group winner securing automatic qualification for the World Cup, Nigeria’s chances of making it to the tournament are becoming increasingly slim.
