All eyes will be on the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium as Nigeria and Zimbabwe battle for three valuable points in the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers on Tuesday, 25 March 2025.
View our free Nigeria vs Zimbabwe predictions below.
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Nigeria vs Zimbabwe predictions: Goals at both ends
Key stats
- Zimbabwe's last four matches have all featured goals at both ends.
- Both teams were on the scoresheet in the reverse fixture of this clash.
- Zimbabwe have never beaten Nigeria in a competitive match.
Correct score prediction: Nigeria 3-1 Zimbabwe
Nigeria have no losses in their last seven meetings with Zimbabwe, and they have won three of four home encounters between these teams.
Keeping in mind that Zimbabwe are still hunting for their first win in the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers, we are backing Nigeria to win.
Pre-game odds and win probability: Nigeria are overwhelming favourites
- HOME: 1/4 (1.25) – 80%
- DRAW: 4/1 (5.00) – 20%
- AWAY: 17/2 (9.50) – 10.5%
*Odds from Ladbrokes, subject to change
In Eric Chelle's first game in charge, Nigeria defeated Rwanda by two unanswered goals away from home. However, the Super Eagles are still trailing Group C leaders, South Africa, by four points, with five matches left to play.
On the other hand, Zimbabwe are at the bottom of the Group C table with three points from a possible 15. They will need to win all their remaining games to stand a chance of qualifying for the FIFA World Cup for the first time in history.
Bearing that in mind, Nigeria are the expected winners at 1/4 (1.25). Teams with these odds usually have an 80% probability of winning.
Don’t forget to check out more of our best betting tips and predictions after you’ve dissected our Nigeria vs Zimbabwe predictions.
Additionally, an even number of goals were scored in each of Zimbabwe's five, and in four of Nigeria's five World Cup qualifying games. For this reason, even total goals has an appealing look at 9/10 (1.90). That one has a 52.6% chance of landing.
Most recent H2Hs: Zimbabwe’s struggles to continue?
Zimbabwe have no wins in their last seven clashes with Nigeria. The last time they defeated the Super Eagles was in a friendly match in August 1981, their first ever encounter.
Africa - World Cup Qualifying 19/11/23
Zimbabwe
Nigeria
International Match 08/06/19
Nigeria
Zimbabwe
Nigeria preview: A clean bill of health
The Super Eagles finished the game in Kigali last Friday without any injuries, as they look forward to earning back-to-back wins in their group for the first time since the qualifiers began in 2023.
Predicted lineup: Nwabali (GK), Aina, Troost-Ekong, Bassey, Osayi-Samuel, Ndidi, Iwobi, Simon, Chukwueze, Lookman & Osimhen.
Africa - World Cup Qualifying 25/03/25
D
Zimbabwe
1
Nigeria
1
Africa - World Cup Qualifying 21/03/25
W
Rwanda
0
Nigeria
2
African Nations C'ship Qualifying 28/12/24
W
Ghana
1
Nigeria
3
Africa Cup of Nations Qualification 18/11/24
L
Rwanda
2
Nigeria
1
Africa Cup of Nations Qualification 14/11/24
D
Benin
1
Nigeria
1
Zimbabwe preview: Trying to keep their World Cup hopes alive
Similarly, Michael Nees’ side have no injury concerns ahead of their trip to Uyo. This should give them a little hope against a side they held to a 1-1 draw in the reverse fixture.
Predicted lineup: Arubi (GK), Jalai, Garananga, Takwara, Lunga, Munetsi, Rinomhota, Musona, Billiat, Zemura & Dube.
Africa - World Cup Qualifying 25/03/25
D
Nigeria
1
Zimbabwe
1
Africa - World Cup Qualifying 20/03/25
D
Benin
2
Zimbabwe
2
Africa Cup of Nations Qualification 19/11/24
L
Cameroon
2
Zimbabwe
1
Africa Cup of Nations Qualification 15/11/24
D
Kenya
1
Zimbabwe
1
Africa Cup of Nations Qualification 14/10/24
W
Namibia
1
Zimbabwe
3
Player to watch: Victor Osimhen
With his brace against Rwanda, Victor Osimhen is now Nigeria's second all-time top scorer. The Galatasaray forward has scored in four consecutive matches and will look to extend that streak to five games.