Zimbabwe Coach Warns: No Slow Start Against Nigeria

Zimbabwe coach Michael Nees emphasizes the need for a strong start against Nigeria’s formidable squad in their 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifier at Godswill Akpabio International Stadium in Uyo on Tuesday (18:00).

He stresses that they cannot afford a repeat of their sluggish performance.

Zimbabwe’s match against Benin at Moses Mabhida Stadium on Thursday saw them concede two goals in the first half. However, they rallied back, with goals from former Orlando Pirates midfielder Marshal Munetsi and Kaizer Chiefs striker Knowledge Musona, securing a 2-2 draw.

Meanwhile, Nigeria secured a 2-0 victory over Rwanda in Kigali on Friday, with star striker and 2023 CAF Footballer of the Year, Victor Osimhen, scoring both goals, giving the Super Eagles their first win in Group C.

Nees acknowledges Nigeria’s attacking prowess and squad depth, rating them among the top five teams globally. He warns that a slow start would be detrimental.

“Nigeria is definitely in attack in the top five in the world,” replied Nees to Sportswire. 

“When you look at the players they have at their disposal, it’s massive. But sometimes the names don’t make big performances.  

“But Nigeria, from the players, absolutely top level. We cannot allow that to happen (to concede goals early), we must be there from the beginning in our game. 

“Our concentration must be there because the goals (we conceded against Benin), when you look at it, they were little bit gifted.  

“The first goal, we don’t need to talk about it and the second we were little bit sleeping there, not winning the duels properly in the midfield and sleeping, and they combined very quickly and suddenly the ball was in the back of the net and nobody could anticipate.”  

Nigeria’s victory propelled them to fourth place in Group C with six points from five matches, while Bafana Bafana leads the group with 10 points. Zimbabwe’s draw against Benin, their third in these qualifiers, keeps them at the bottom of the group with three points from five matches.

Despite drawing with Nigeria in their previous encounter, Zimbabwe faces a daunting task in securing a win in Nigeria. They must significantly improve their performance.

Zimbabwe has not won a World Cup qualifying match since defeating Somalia in the second preliminary rounds in 2019.

Only group winners will qualify automatically for the FIFA World in Canada, Mexico, and the USA, while the four best-placed runners-up will have a second chance via the playoffs.