International Friendly – Nigeria vs Zimbabwe Preview & Prediction
THE FACTS
When is Nigeria vs Zimbabwe taking place? Saturday 8th June, 2019 – 17:00 (UK)
Where is Nigeria vs Zimbabwe taking place? Stephen Keshi Stadium, Asaba
What television channel is Nigeria vs Zimbabwe on? This match will not be televised live on television in the UK
Where can I stream Nigeria vs Zimbabwe? This match cannot be streamed live in the UK
Where can I get tickets for Nigeria vs Zimbabwe? Tickets for the match can be purchased directly from the stadium
THE TEAM NEWS
NIGERIA
- Nigeria’s preparations for the Africa Cup of Nations begin with this first friendly of the summer as they play a home friendly against Zimbabwe, and the Eagles’ head coach Gernot Rohr has admitted that he will use this match to give playing time to players that have not played much for their clubs in recent months.
- Leon Balogun and Kelechi Iheanacho of Brighton and Leicester respectively are both expected to start this match and get some much-needed time on the pitch as Rohr looks for the duo to build their match fitness.
- A handful of their squad such as Alex Iwobi, William Troost-Ekong, Ahmed Musa, Shehu Abdullahi and Odion Ighalo are not expected to feature after joining the training camp later than the rest of the squad and are more likely to be involved in the next friendly against Senegal next week.
ZIMBABWE
- Zimbabwe’s preparations for the Africa Cup of Nations continue here as the squad have flown to Lagos where they will spend one night before moving on to Asaba on Friday to train in the stadium before this friendly match against the hosts.
- The Warriors have been playing in the COSAFA Cup in South Africa but they were eliminated by Zambia on penalties on Wednesday, and their attentions will now turn to this friendly and the upcoming 2019 AFCON finals in Egypt.
- Tall striker Nyasha Mushekwi has already arrived in Nigeria ahead of this game and he is expected to be given an opportunity as head coach Sunday Chidzambwa tests him as an alternative to their regular strike duo of Knowledge Musona and Khama Billiat.
THE PREDICTION
This match will be nothing more than a run-out for many of the fringe players within both squads, but it is the home side that possess the greater strength in depth. They can field some quality options like Iheanacho who will be desperate to build their fitness and impress their coach ahead of the AFCON. Nigeria should have too much for the visitors and a home victory is on the cards.
