Lookman, Osimhen continue partnership as Aina retains left-back role against Zimbabwe

Eric Chelle, Super Eagles of Nigeria coach, has named an unchanged starting line-up for the team’s FIFA World Cup 2026 Group C encounter against Zimbabwe at the Godswill Akpabio stadium in Uyo, Akwa Ibom, on Tuesday.

The Franco-Malian tactician has stuck with the crop of players that started the 2-0 victory over Rwanda on Friday in Kigali.

Victor Osimhen and Ademola Lookman will continue their partnership in the Super Eagles attack. The duo’s combination got Nigeria’s first goal against Rwanda.

Lookman’s expertly lofted free kick found Osimhen alone at the far post, and the striker tapped the ball home from close range.

Moses Simon and Samuel Chukwueze complete the team’s lethal, flexible front four. Alex Iwobi retains his central midfield position with Wilfred Ndidi as the screen and muscle for the back four.

In defence, Ola Aina continues as left-back, while William Troost-Ekong leads the backline alongside Calvin Bassey. Bright Osayi-Samuel plays from the right flank, and Stanley Nwabali retains his status as the Super Eagles’ first-choice goalkeeper.

The game is scheduled to kick off at 5 pm, with the Akwa Ibom government throwing the gates open for fans.

The victory against Rwanda was Nigeria’s only win in the qualifier after five games. The Eagles sit fourth in the qualification group with six points from five matches.

A win for Nigeria against Zimbabwe would boost their chances of qualification, while any other result will compound the country’s chances of reaching the 2026 World Cup.

Starting XI: Stanley Nwabali, Ola Aina, William Troost-Ekong, Calvin Bassey, Bright Osayi-Samuel; Wilfred Ndidi, Alex Iwobi, Samuel Chukwueze, Moses Simon; Ademola Lookman, Victor Osimhen.