Zimbabwe head coach, Michael Nees, has acknowledged that his team must produce their best football to stand a chance against Nigeria in Tuesday’s decisive 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifier.
Still searching for a first victory in the qualifying campaign, the Warriors will face Nigeria in Uyo in a must-win Group C matchday 6 clash. Their previous meeting in November ended in a 1-1 draw in Rwanda.
After five matches, Zimbabwe sits at the bottom of the group with three points, while Nigeria, fresh off their first qualifying win against Rwanda, occupies fourth place with six points.
Following Zimbabwe’s first training session at the practice pitch of the Godswill Akpabio Stadium on Sunday morning, Nees spoke about the Super Eagles’ quality and their determination to turn their fortunes 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 also encouraged his squad to embrace the challenge without fear, emphasizing the importance of confidence and preparation.
“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 ambition, history favors Nigeria, with the Super Eagles remaining unbeaten in their last seven meetings with the Warriors—winning four and drawing three.
As Nigeria aims for back-to-back wins to revive their World Cup qualification hopes, Zimbabwe will be equally determined to claim their first victory and climb off the foot of the table.
