Zimbabwe head coach, Michael Nees has admitted that his team must deliver a top-level performance to stand any chance of getting a result against Nigeria in Tuesday’s crucial 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifier.
Still searching for their first win of the qualifying campaign, Zimbabwe will take on Nigeria in Uyo in a must-win Group C matchday 6 encounter. Their first meeting last November in Rwanda ended in a 1-1 draw.
After five games, Zimbabwe sit at the bottom of the group with three points, while Nigeria, who picked up their first win in the qualifiers against Rwanda, are in fourth place with six points.
Speaking after Zimbabwe’s first training session at the practice pitch of the Godswill Akpabio Stadium on Sunday morning, Nees acknowledged the Super Eagles’ quality and their determination to turn their campaign around.
“Benin Republic was really strong but with Nigeria and the names they parade is top class and they messed their campaign at the beginning really up.
“It’s the third coach now involved in this campaign, they won away in Rwanda which was always a difficult opponent so they will come against us with confidence and all their power to turn this campaign around so do we.
“It would be an exciting game, we have to perform to our maximum, but we should expect a really tough opponent who would give everything and must also give everything and we will.”
Nees urged his players to embrace the challenge and not be intimidated by the occasion, emphasizing belief and preparation as key factors.
“We must accept the challenge, the climate, the pace, the conditions, they must accept the challenge and enjoy it, we mustn’t be afraid of anything, we can play football, we will analyze opponents, we would analyze our game, the players don’t need to be nervous.
“They’ve showed it many times that they are very good players, I’m really looking forward to this match.”
Despite Zimbabwe’s determination, history favors Nigeria. The Super Eagles are unbeaten in their last seven encounters with the Warriors, winning four and drawing three.
Nigeria will be aiming for back-to-back wins in the qualifiers to boost their World Cup hopes, while Zimbabwe will be desperate to register their first victory and climb off the bottom of the table.
