Head coach of the Zimbabwe national team Michael Nees has urged his players to be focused and resilient when they face the Super Eagles of Nigeria in their 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifier on Tuesday.
Nigeria will host Zimbabwe in the qualifier at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium in Uyo on Tuesday evening.
Eric Chelle’s side head into the game on the back of a 2-0 victory over Rwanda last Friday, while Zimbabwe played out a 2-2 draw with Benin Republic.
Speaking after Sunday’s training session in Uyo, Nees urged his players not to fear Nigeria during the encounter.
“It will be an exciting game. We have to perform at our maximum, no doubt. We can expect really tough opponents who will give everything, but we must do the same,” Nees told the Warriors media.
“They must accept the challenge, the climate, the pace, the conditions, and enjoy it. They must not be afraid of anything. There’s no reason for it—we can play football.
“We will analyse our opponents and our own game. They must believe in themselves; there’s no need to be nervous or anything of the sort.
“They have already shown many times that they are very good players with great character, and I am really looking forward to this game.”
2026 WCQ: Zimbabwe coach tells players what to do against Nigeria’s Super Eagles
