Zimbabwe Coach Cautions Against Underestimating Nigeria Despite Slow Start
Zimbabwe coach Michael Nees underscores the need for a robust start against Nigeria’s tough squad during their 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifier at Godswill Akpabio International Stadium in Uyo on Tuesday (18:00).
He stresses that another sluggish performance cannot be tolerated.
In their latest encounter against Benin at Moses Mabhida Stadium on Thursday, Zimbabwe surrendered two goals in the first half. Nonetheless, they rallied with goals from former Orlando Pirates midfielder Marshal Munetsi and Kaizer Chiefs striker Knowledge Musona, resulting in a 2-2 stalemate.
Conversely, Nigeria secured a 2-0 victory over Rwanda in Kigali on Friday, with star striker and 2023 CAF Footballer of the Year, Victor Osimhen, contributing both goals to lead the Super Eagles to their first win in Group C.
Nees recognizes Nigeria’s attacking prowess and depth, ranking them among the top five teams globally. He warns that a slow start could prove detrimental.
“Nigeria is undeniably ranked among the top five teams worldwide in terms of their attacking capabilities,” stated Nees to Sportswire.
“Considering the caliber of players they have at their disposal, it’s quite impressive. However, sometimes the names on paper do not always lead to exceptional on-field performances.
“Regardless, Nigeria boasts elite-level players. We must avoid falling behind early; we need to be engaged from the very onset of the match.
“Our concentration must be acute because the goals we allowed against Benin were largely avoidable.
“The first goal is self-explanatory, and for the second, we were unprepared, losing battles in midfield, which enabled them to connect rapidly and score without us seeing it coming.”
Nigeria’s win moved them to fourth in Group C, amassing six points from five games, while Bafana Bafana holds the group lead with 10 points. Zimbabwe’s draw with Benin, their third of the qualifiers, places them at the bottom of the group with three points from five matches.
Despite having drawn in their previous clash with Nigeria, Zimbabwe faces a considerable challenge to secure a win on Nigerian soil and must significantly improve their performance.
Zimbabwe has not celebrated a World Cup qualifying victory since their triumph over Somalia in the second preliminary rounds in 2019.
Only the group victors will earn automatic qualification for the FIFA World Cup in Canada, Mexico, and the USA, while the four best-placed runners-up will receive an opportunity through the playoffs.