2026 World Cup qualifier: Three key areas Super Eagles must fix before facing Zimbabwe

Following their first victory in the 2026 Fifa World Cup qualifiers with a convincing 2-0 win over Rwanda, the Super Eagles of Nigeria must fine-tune certain aspects of their game to maintain their qualification hopes when they take on Zimbabwe on Tuesday. 

While the win in Kigali was crucial, there are areas that require improvement to ensure a more dominant performance against the Warriors.

More Efficiency in Attack

Victor Osimhen was clinical against Rwanda, netting both goals, but Nigeria must create and convert more opportunities to ease the pressure on their talismanic striker. 

Against Rwanda, the team relied heavily on Ademola Lookman’s creativity, but Samuel Chukwueze and Moses Simon struggled to deliver consistent final balls. 

Nigeria must work on better movement in the final third and improve their finishing to avoid relying solely on Osimhen’s brilliance. 

If they can spread the goal threat across multiple players, they will stand a better chance of breaking down Zimbabwe’s defense.

Better Defensive Coordination

While Nigeria kept a clean sheet against Rwanda, the backline faced little threat due to their opponent’s lack of cutting edge. 

However, moments of poor positioning and lapses in concentration were evident. The fullbacks, Bright Osayi-Samuel and Ola Aina, had mixed performances, with Aina struggling defensively. 

Against Zimbabwe, who could be more adventurous, Nigeria’s defense must be more organized to prevent unnecessary pressure. 

Troost-Ekong and Bassey were solid, but the entire defensive unit must maintain focus, especially on set pieces and counterattacks.

Midfield Control and Stability

Wilfred Ndidi and Alex Iwobi played key roles in Nigeria’s midfield, but there were moments when Rwanda was allowed to win second balls and dictate play in short spells. 

The Super Eagles need to assert greater control in midfield by improving their ball retention and pressing higher up the pitch. 

Additionally, they must reduce unnecessary fouls, as Ndidi’s booking against Rwanda could have been costly in a tighter contest. 

The introduction of Raphael Onyedika late in the game provided more stability, and Nigeria might need to consider a more balanced midfield setup against Zimbabwe.

With Zimbabwe set to offer a different challenge, the Super Eagles must refine their attack, strengthen their defense, and dominate midfield to maintain their winning momentum and solidify their qualification campaign.

Wale Adejumo

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