World Cup (Q): Chisala urges Zambia to go for back-to-back wins against Niger

Zambia national team midfielder Obinno Chisala has said winning over Niger in their final fixture of the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifier is not just about finishing second but sustaining a winning culture ahead of the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON).

In an interview, Chisala explained it would be important to chalk back-to-back victories for the team and keep their hopes of a second place, which could land them a possible slot in the play-offs.

Zambia must finish group qualifiers strongly

“For this game, we are just aiming to win, that is the only thing that we want. If we win this game, we might qualify for the play-offs for the World Cup,” he told FAZ Media. “The game we played against Tanzania gave us confidence, even as we play the next game, we have that confidence that we can win. It is not easy playing an away game and collecting maximum points.

“This is the last game, as for us Zambians we always aim to finish the group in a strong momentum so that we know that as we are coming into the next camp, we have that clear picture that at least we won two games and the confidence and morale is very high in the camp. That is a good picture for us.”

Winning will boost squad ahead of AFCON

Chisala added a winning spirit would be good for the squad ahead of the AFCON.

“It will help us a lot when you talk of team bonding, this is the time where we can bond as a team and know each other very well. This will boost the individual confidence of each individual player,” he explained.

He further appealed to the fans to turn up in numbers and spur the team to victory. “Thanks for coming even though we disappointed you (fans) for the last game. We are assuring you that we will collect maximum points so come as you did last time,” he noted.

On his undeniable versatility that has seen him deployed as a left back and also midfielder, Chisala said, “I can play in a many positions, I just need to be ready in as much as they (coaches) play you as a defender or midfielder you just have to be ready because you are doing it for the badge.”

Zambia plays Niger in a Group E FIFA World Cup qualifier at the Levy Mwanawasa Stadium in Ndola on Sunday.

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