With their World Cup dreams hanging by a thread, Zimbabwe coach and his Warriors are now fully prepared for an exciting showdown with the Super Eagles of Nigeria in Uyo.
The team’s head coach, Michael Nees, has made it clear—his team must rise to the occasion if they are to stand a chance, Footballrover reports.
But can they really shake up a Super Eagles side desperate to recover from their early setbacks?
Super Eagles’ struggles give Zimbabwe’s coach hope
The Super Eagles have endured a turbulent qualifying campaign, managing just one win in five games.
Their 1-1 draw with Zimbabwe in Rwanda last November exposed vulnerabilities that Nees is keen to exploit.
He acknowledged Nigeria’s undeniable talent but pointed out that instability—now on their third coach—has left them playing catch-up.
“Benin Republic was really strong, but Nigeria, with the names they have, is top-class,” Nees said after Zimbabwe’s final training session in Uyo. “They messed up their campaign at the start. Now, with a new coach, they will come at us with everything to turn it around—but so will we.”
The Warriors, currently bottom of Group C with three points, have little margin for error.
Meanwhile, the Super Eagles, sitting fourth with six points, know anything less than victory could doom their qualification hopes.
Zimbabwe ready to fight, Super Eagles eye redemption
Despite the challenge ahead, Nees insists his players are not intimidated. Instead, he urged them to embrace the moment, adapt to the conditions, and play with confidence.
“They must accept the challenge—the climate, the pace, the conditions—and enjoy it,” Nees emphasised. “They mustn’t be afraid. We’ve shown before that we can play football.”
The Warriors will also have to contend with an electrifying atmosphere at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium, where up to 30,000 fans are expected.
With the Super Eagles unbeaten in their last seven meetings against Zimbabwe, history is against Nees’ men. But with the stakes this high, an upset cannot be ruled out.
Who will rise to the occasion? All eyes will be on Uyo on Tuesday.
Be the first to comment on "World Cup Qualifier: Zimbabwe coach vows to shock Super Eagles who ‘messed up their campaign’"