2026 FIFA World Cup: Nigeria impose ‘no visitors, no journalists’ rule ahead of must-win Zimbabwe clash
UYO, Nigeria (Made In Africa Sport) — The Super Eagles of Nigeria have returned home and begun preparations for their crucial 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifier against Zimbabwe on Tuesday, with head coach Eric Chelle enforcing strict measures to maintain focus.
Following their 2-0 victory over Rwanda in Kigali on Friday, Nigeria are looking to secure back-to-back wins and revive their qualification hopes. Chelle, however, is not getting carried away by the triumph and has demanded maximum concentration from his players ahead of the Zimbabwe encounter.
To ensure this, the team has imposed restrictions at their Uyo camp. Media Officer Promise Efoghe in a statement to journalists on WhatsApp confirmed that access will be strictly limited.
“Coach Eric Chelle is not carried away by the win over Rwanda and is demanding maximum concentration from the players prior to the next game,” Efoghe said. “To this end, he has imposed restrictions in and around the team’s camp—no visitors, no journalists.”
He also added that Sunday’s training session will be completely closed, while Monday’s training will be partially open for the mandatory 15-minute media window after the official press conference. On match day, there will be provisions for player interactions in the mixed zone.
Nigeria’s World Cup qualification campaign had started poorly, with three draws and a defeat in their first four matches, leaving them fifth in Group C. However, the win in Rwanda, inspired by Victor Osimhen, has reshaped the group standings. With only South Africa also winning in the last round, the Super Eagles are now within striking distance of second place.
Zimbabwe arrives in Uyo desperate to climb off the bottom of the group after a 2-2 draw with Benin Republic in their last match. Historically, they have struggled against Nigeria, with their only competitive win coming in a 1981 friendly. Their last meeting ended in a 1-1 draw in November 2023, with Kelechi Iheanacho salvaging a point for Nigeria.
Since then, the Super Eagles have undergone major changes, including a run to the AFCON final and multiple managerial shifts, before settling under Franco-Malian coach Chelle. A victory on Tuesday could significantly boost their World Cup qualification chances.