After an impressive 2-0 win over Rwanda in Kigali, Nigeria return home to face Zimbabwe with renewed belief in their 2026 World Cup qualification campaign. Eric Chelle’s men pressed high, scored early, and controlled large spells of the match – and we think there’s real value to be found in a number of betting markets for today’s clash.
Here are our top betting picks for Nigeria vs Zimbabwe (odds correct at time of writing.)
Nigeria to Win: 1.28
Let’s keep it simple – Nigeria are clear favourites. The Super Eagles have never lost a competitive game to Zimbabwe, and after that dominant display in Kigali, Chelle’s side should have too much firepower for a Warriors team still winless in Group C.
The two sides may have drawn 1-1 when they last faced in 2023, but Zimbabwe haven’t won an away World Cup qualifier in over 20 years, and we do not see that changing here.
But this isn’t just about backing the better team – it also ties directly into Bet9ja’s Naija Money Back Special. If you bet on Nigeria to win and they don’t, you’ll get your stake refunded as a bonus, up to N50,000.
It’s completely risk-free, so get involved and bet on Nigeria to win here.
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— Bet9ja: The home of #betBOOM! ? (@Bet9jaOfficial) March 22, 2025
Get your money back as a bonus if the Super Eagles don't beat Zimbabwe!
Place your risk-free bet here ??
First Half to be Highest Scoring Half: 3.05
Nigeria came flying out the blocks in Kigali, scoring inside 11 minutes and dominating the first half with aggressive pressing and fast build-up play. Victor Osimhen bagged a brace, and the Super Eagles looked like a team on a mission.
But after the break, their tempo noticeably dropped – a natural result of such an intense opening spell. Rwanda found more space, and Nigeria were happy to manage the game.
Of all Zimbabwe’s Group C games, there has never been more goals in the second half, with their last game against Benin seeing three goals before the half-time whistle.
With Chelle likely to stick with the same high-intensity approach, we fancy more of the same in Uyo: goals early, and control late.
Back First Half to be Highest Scoring Half here
Osimhen to Score 2 or More Goals: 4.40
Victor Osimhen reminded everyone on Friday why he’s the most dangerous striker in Africa, grabbing both goals in Friday’s win. Now on 25 goals for Nigeria, he’s closing in on Rashidi Yekini’s all-time record of 37 – and you can bet he’s hungry for more.
At home in front of a packed crowd in Uyo, expect Osimhen to be the focal point once again. With Zimbabwe’s backline leaking eight goals in five matches, the Napoli striker will fancy his chances of another multi goal performance.
Zimbabwe sit on -4 GD in Group C, conceding eight goals in five matches. We think the Warriors will struggle to contain Osimhen for 90 minutes, which is why we’re backing him to bag another brace.
Victor Osimhen now stands alone as the Super Eagles second-highest goalscorer ever ???
— Bet9ja: The home of #betBOOM! ? (@Bet9jaOfficial) March 22, 2025
25 goals in just 39 games – and he’s hunting down Yekini’s all-time record of 37 ?
How long until he’s No.1? pic.twitter.com/lpCsdtN5uI
Zimbabwe to be the Last Team to Score: 6.10
This one might raise a few eyebrows, but we feel it makes sense. Nigeria exerted so much energy early on against Rwanda that they began to tire in the second half. Rwanda finished strong, finding space and pushing forward late on.
If the Super Eagles get an early lead again, we expect Zimbabwe to throw men forward in the second half and possibly grab a late consolation goal, even if the result is beyond doubt.
Chelle’s team tired slightly in the second half last time out, and Zimbabwe will be desperate to salvage something if they’re chasing the game, especially after Zimbabwe President Emmerson Mnangagwa announced a $150,000 winning bonus for the Warriors if they defeat Nigeria
This one is high value, but very possible.
Back Zimbabwe to Score Last here
Nigeria to Win First Half & Over 1.5 First Half Goals: 4.35
This bet leans fully into the narrative of a fast Nigerian start – just like we saw in Kigali. Chelle’s Super Eagles pressed relentlessly from the first whistle and were 2-0 up by half-time thanks to Victor Osimhen’s clinical finishing.
We’re backing a similar story here. Nigeria will want to stamp their authority early, especially with this being Chelle’s first game on home soil. With Osimhen, Lookman, and Simon in attack, the firepower is there to overwhelm Zimbabwe before the break.
Let’s be clear, we think Nigeria will win this game. But instead of backing the full-time result, there’s more value in this first-half-focused play.
Chelle’s tactics are front-loaded, and if the Super Eagles get going early again, this could land before the 30-minute mark. On top of that, four of the five goals Nigeria have conceded in Group C have come in the first half, and Zimbabwe’s last three qualifiers have all featured over 1.5 goals in the first half.
Back Nigeria to Win 1st Half & Over 1.5 1st Half Goals here
