Zimbabwe head coach, Michael Nees, has acknowledged that his team will need to deliver a top-level performance if they are to stand any chance of securing a positive result against Nigeria in Tuesday’s crucial 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifier.
 ÂZimbabwe is still searching for their first win in the qualifying campaign and will face Nigeria in Uyo for a must-win Group C matchday 6 encounter. Their last meeting in November 2024, which was played in Rwanda, ended in a 1-1 draw.
 ÂFollowing five games in the qualification round, Zimbabwe currently sits at the bottom of Group C with only three points. Meanwhile, Nigeria, who recently picked up their first win in the qualifiers against Rwanda, occupies the fourth position with six points. With both teams needing a victory to strengthen their qualification hopes, the upcoming clash is expected to be a fiercely contested battle.
 ÂSpeaking after Zimbabwe’s first training session at the practice pitch of the Godswill Akpabio Stadium on Sunday morning, Nees admitted that the Super Eagles possess incredible quality and will be eager to turn their campaign around after their shaky start.
 Â“Benin Republic was really strong, but Nigeria and the names they parade are top-class. They really messed up their campaign at the beginning,” Nees said.
 Â“This is now the third coach involved in their campaign. They won away in Rwanda, which has always been a difficult opponent, so they will come against us with confidence and all their power to turn things around. But we are equally determined to do the same.”
 ÂThe Zimbabwean coach emphasized that his players must be ready to face a highly motivated Nigerian team and put in their best performance if they are to stand a chance of securing a win.
 Â“It is going to be an exciting game. We have to perform at our maximum level because we are facing a really tough opponent who will give everything on the field. We must also be ready to give everything and show our quality,” he added.
 ÂNees further urged his players to embrace the challenge and not be intimidated by the occasion, stating that their belief and preparation will be key factors in determining the outcome of the match.
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“We must accept the challenge—the climate, the pace, the conditions. The players must take on the challenge and enjoy the experience. We must not be afraid of anything. We know we can play good football, and we have prepared well by analyzing our opponents and reviewing our own performances,” Nees stated.
 Â“The players don’t need to be nervous. They have already shown many times that they are very good footballers. I am really looking forward to this match and hope we can deliver a strong performance.”
 ÂDespite Zimbabwe’s determination to turn their qualification campaign around, history is in Nigeria’s favor. The Super Eagles remain unbeaten in their last seven encounters with the Warriors, having won four of those matches and drawn three.
 ÂNigeria will be aiming to secure back-to-back wins in the qualifiers to boost their World Cup hopes, while Zimbabwe will be desperate to register their first victory in the competition and climb off the bottom of the table.
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