Nigeria vs Zimbabwe: Osimhen and Lookman remain the main men for Super Eagles in must-win tie

Osimhen scores brace against Rwanda || X

Nigeria vs Zimbabwe: Osimhen and Lookman remain the main men for Super Eagles in must-win tie

Izuchukwu Akawor • Izuchukwu Akawor • 12:24 - 24.03.2025

Victor Osimhen and Ademola Lookman, the last two African Players of the Year, lead Nigeria against Zimbabwe in a key World Cup qualifier, with their 5-goal partnership since 2022 a major threat.

As the Super Eagles of Nigeria prepare to face Zimbabwe in a crucial 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifier on Tuesday, at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium in Uyo, all eyes will be on the dynamic duo of Victor Osimhen and Ademola Lookman.

The last two African Player of the Year winners have proven themselves as the heartbeat of the Nigerian squad, and their partnership will be key in this high-stakes Group C clash.

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Osimhen, who claimed the African Player of the Year title in 2023, and Lookman, who succeeded him in 2024, have formed a formidable attacking partnership since Lookman’s debut for Nigeria in 2022.

Their synergy was on full display in Nigeria’s recent 2-0 victory over Rwanda in Kigali, where Osimhen scored an iconic opening goal, assisted by Lookman, to secure three vital points in the qualifiers.

Osimhen was too hot for Rwanda.

Since 2022, the duo has combined for five goals, more than any other partnership in the Super Eagles squad during that period, a statistic that reinforces their understanding and chemistry, which have become the cornerstone of Nigeria’s attacking play.

The Super Eagles are under pressure after a shaky start to their World Cup qualifying campaign, with Zimbabwe and Benin Republic playing out a 2-2 draw in their last Group C encounter.

Ademola Lookman set for another deadly pass.

A win against the Warriors of Zimbabwe, who arrived in Lagos on March 22 with key players like Khama Billiat and Marshall Munetsi, is non-negotiable for Nigeria to keep their qualification hopes alive.

Head coach Eric Chelle, who named both Osimhen and Lookman in his first-ever eleven against Rwanda last week, will be banking on their proven goal-scoring prowess to deliver yet again.

Eric Chelle wants his Super Eagles to focus on the Zimbabwe job

Osimhen, now with Galatasaray, and Lookman, a star at Atalanta, bring more than just goals to the table.

Their shared experience as Africa’s best players in consecutive years has instilled a sense of leadership and responsibility within the squad.

Osimhen and Ademola Lookman combined for the opener against Rwanda.

Lookman’s flair and vision complement Osimhen’s clinical finishing, creating a balanced attack that has troubled defences across the continent.

Their understanding was evident in the Rwanda match, where Osimhen’s perfectly timed run and Lookman’s precise cross showed their telepathic connection.

Victor Osimhen points towards Lookman after the goal.

Beyond their on-field contributions, Osimhen and Lookman have become symbols of pride for Nigerian football. Lookman’s 2024 African Player of the Year award, where he beat out stiff competition from Achraf Hakimi and Ronwen Williams, marked him as the seventh Nigerian to claim the honour, following in Osimhen’s footsteps.

Their success on the global stage has inspired a new generation of Nigerian players, and their commitment to the Super Eagles has been unwavering despite the team’s recent struggles in the qualifiers.

Lookman with CAF and FIFA Presidents

As Nigeria faces Zimbabwe, the stakes couldn’t be higher. A victory would not only boost their chances of qualifying for the 2026 FIFA World Cup but also send a statement to their Group C rivals.

With Osimhen and Lookman leading the charge, the Super Eagles have the firepower to overcome the Warriors to seal two wins in two this window not only for Nigeria but new boss Chelle.

Victor Osimhen, the monstrous leader.

Super Eagles fans will be hoping more than ever for another moment of magic from this iconic partnership as Nigeria looks to soar in Uyo.