Nigeria handed World Cup boost as Zimbabwe’s venue change may unsettle South Africa

• Zimbabwe person decided to alteration their adopted location crushed up of their clash with South Africa successful October
• The Warriors antecedently hosted their past 2 location matches astatine Orlando Stadium and Moses Mabhida Stadium successful South Africa aft their location venue failed to conscionable FIFA standards
• Zimbabwe presently beryllium astatine the bottommost of CAF Qualification Group C with 4 points from six matches

The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has approved Zimbabwe's caller venue for their Matchday 9 World Cup qualifier scheduled for September 5.

The Warriors volition instrumentality connected South Africa’s Bafana Bafana astatine a yet-to-be-named stadium successful Kigali, Rwanda.

Zimbabwe had been banned from hosting planetary matches by FIFA owed to the mediocre information of their location stadia.

Zimbabwe's guardant Onismor Bhasera celebrates the triumph against Guinea astatine the Africa Cup of Nations. Photo by: Thor Wegner/DeFodi Images.
Source: Getty Images

Zimbabwe to play successful Kigali

Zimbabwe person taken a bold measurement by relocating their location matches distant from South Africa.

According to ThisDay, the Warriors’ determination could importantly interaction the dynamics of CAF Qualification Group C, particularly with Lesotho besides hosting their location games successful South Africa.

CAF has approved Zimbabwe’s petition to signifier their remaining location fixtures successful Kigali, Rwanda, with the alteration taking effect from October 6.

Before their Southern Africa derby against South Africa, Zimbabwe volition look Benin distant connected September 1, the aforesaid time Nigeria big Rwanda astatine the Godswill Akpabio Stadium.

Should Zimbabwe bushed South Africa and Nigeria decision Rwanda, the Bafana Bafana broadside would stay connected 13 points portion the Super Eagles person 11 points, which opens the radical C, per mdntvlive.

The Warriors volition instrumentality to acquainted territory, having hosted the Super Eagles successful Kigali connected Matchday 2.

South Africa presently pb CAF Qualification Group C with 13 points from six matches. Rwanda and Benin beryllium associated 2nd with 8 points each, followed by Nigeria successful 4th with 7 points; Lesotho person six points, portion Zimbabwe are astatine the bottommost with four.

Zimbabwe goalkeeper Talbert Shumba makes a prevention against Guinea astatine the 2021 Africa Cup of Nations. Photo by: Thor Wegner/DeFodi Images.
Source: Getty Images

Zimbabwe clasp Nigeria

The Super Eagles of Nigeria person drawn the Warriors of Zimbabwe 1-1 successful the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifier astatine the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium successful Uyo.

Victor Osimhen opened the scoring for Nigeria with a header successful the 2nd half, lurking astatine the acold station to evade the Zimbabwean defence and heading location Ola Aina cross.

Michael Nees' tactical attack paid disconnected successful the 90th infinitesimal erstwhile substitute Tawanda Chirewa scored the equaliser per Vavel.

Taiwo backs Zimbabwe's stadium move

Nigeria manager Babatunde Taiwo has praised the Zimbabwe Football Association for relocating their World Cup qualifying matches distant from South Africa.

Speaking successful an exclusive chat with Legit.ng, Taiwo said the determination would let players to vie "without fearfulness oregon favour." He said:

“Football pundits person raised concerns astir Lesotho and Zimbabwe playing their location matches successful South Africa, a state they stock a qualification radical with.

“Even if the officiating is fair, it’s hard to person radical that the referees and opponents aren’t nether pressure.

“I commend the Zimbabwean shot authorities for making that move, and I anticipation Lesotho follows suit.”

Mnangagwa challenges the Warriors

Legit.ng earlier reported that Zimbabwe President Emmerson Mnangagwa has pledged $150,000 to the men’s nationalist shot squad if they decision the Super Eagles successful their World Cup qualification match.

The 82-year-old erstwhile Vice President is determined to spot the Zimbabwean squad suffice for the 2026 World Cup.

He stated that the pledge is intended to boost morale and promote a beardown show from the team.

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Source: Legit.ng