Zimbabwe again! Warriors deal Super Eagles 2026 World Cup hopes a third major blow

The Super Eagles’ path to the 2026 FIFA World Cup has taken another unwelcome turn after Zimbabwe confirmed that their home fixture against South Africa will be staged in Durban.

The Michael Nees-led side who are still without a win in Group C, will host Bafana Bafana on October 10 at the Moses Mabhida Stadium, their fourth straight “home” match played on South African soil. It was initially thought that Zimbabwe might elect to host the fixture in neighbouring Botswana instead.

The decision has however raised eyebrows, as Hugo Broos’ side grow more comfortable in this qualification campaign, with both Lesotho and the Brave Warriors forced to stage their “home” fixtures in South Africa. After two draws against the Super Eagles, this latest decision is a third Zimbabwean blow to Nigeria's hopes of World Cup qualification.

Will Super Eagles win CAF WCQ Group C’s sole ticket?

The Super Eagles on the other hand have endured a difficult campaign, winning just two of their opening eight games. They sit third with 11 points, chasing an automatic spot that remains within South Africa’s grasp.

Bafana Bafana lead with 17 points, though their position could yet be complicated by FIFA’s pending review of Teboho Mokoena’s suspension against Lesotho.

In a letter to SAFA dated 15 September 2025, per SABC, FIFA confirmed that both the player and the association face charges for breaching disciplinary regulations, including the fielding of an ineligible player.

Regardless of any off-field developments, Nigeria’s task is straightforward, they must win both remaining qualifiers to keep alive hopes of reaching the 2026 World Cup.