Zimbabwe national team coach Michael Nees has expressed confidence in his squad’s ability to turn their fortunes around as they prepare to face Benin and Nigeria in the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers.
Currently bottom of Group C, with two points, Zimbabwe will take on Benin at the Moses Mabhida Stadium in Durban, South Africa, on Thursday before travelling to Uyo for a crucial encounter against Nigeria next Tuesday.
They will face a Super Eagles side desperate to revive their qualification hopes, with Nigeria sitting fifth in the group after a disappointing start.
The three-time African champions have drawn three games and lost one, leaving them with just three points from four matches.
“We Have to Restart This Qualification in a Positive Way”
Despite being seen as underdogs, Nees believes Zimbabwe can change their fortunes with the right approach. Speaking to The Herald the German tactician emphasized the need for a strong mentality.
“We have to restart this World Cup qualification in a positive way,” Nees said.
“We want to do that, to get the positive mood going, and to do everything in our power. Power to turn the table a little bit around, turn the page and move up.
That’s our approach. And now we have to look at what is the next task at hand. The next task at hand is a difficult game against Benin (on Thursday).”
He acknowledged the immediate challenge against Benin but remained optimistic about his team’s ability to deliver results.
Nees has already built a strong reputation in Zimbabwe, having led the Warriors to qualification for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations.
However, he now faces an uphill task against Nigeria, a team stacked with talent and eager to avoid missing back-to-back World Cups.
Nigeria’s Qualification Hopes on the Line
Before facing Zimbabwe, the Super Eagles will first take on group leaders Rwanda on Friday at the Amahoro Stadium.
With just one point separating Nigeria and Zimbabwe in the standings, both sides know that their upcoming fixtures will be crucial in shaping their World Cup qualification chances.
Nigeria’s new head coach, Eric Chelle, will be under pressure to deliver, as the Super Eagles look to bounce back from their slow start.
With a squad full of top European-based players, anything short of victory in these matches could leave their World Cup dreams hanging by a thread.
