WCQ: Bad news for Nigeria as Zimbabwe offer no hope against South Africa

The chances of Nigeria overtaking South Africa in the World Cup qualification have reduced significantly. 

Nigeria’s Super Eagles are set to miss out on overtaking South Africa in their World Cup qualifying group this weekend, as the Bafana Bafana are strong favourites to beat Zimbabwe in their match on Friday. 

Nigeria and South Africa’s current state in their World Cup group

The Super Eagles are currently three points behind South Africa in their group, and need to win their final group games if they are to overtake either the Bafana Bafana or Benin for the sole qualification ticket. 

While they control their fate against Benin as they face the Squirrels on the final qualifying matchday, they need help from other teams to overtake South Africa. 

Nigeria currently sit three points behind South Africa in their World Cup qualifying group [Imago]


Nigeria currently sit three points behind South Africa in their World Cup qualifying group [Imago]

However, that help is unlikely to come from the Warriors of Zimbabwe, the team Hugo Broos’ men face in Durban on Friday. 

The Warriors have nothing to play for and will play the game in Durban, even though they are the home side. 

Zimbabwe’s poor record against South Africa

Zimbabwe are currently last in the group and will play for nothing but pride. While pride is the only thing at stake for the Warriors, the prospect of them getting a win and helping Nigeria in the process is unlikely. 

Zimbabwe have a poor record against South Africa and have only beaten the Bafana Bafana once in their last ten games.

Zimbabwe have a poor record against South Africa | Zim_Football on X

Their sole win against South Africa during this time came in 2013, and they have lost their last three games to Hugo Broos’ men. 

South Africa won the reverse fixture 3-1 and will fancy their chances to continue their dominance against their South African rivals. 

With South Africa predicted to get the job done, Nigeria’s hopes will now rest on Rwanda, whom the Bafana Bafana face in their last game. 

However, before then, the Super Eagles also need to do their job against Lesotho. Eric Chelle’s men need to beat the Crocodiles to put pressure on the Bafana Bafana and Benin going into the final matchday. 

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