Photo Credit - Zimbabwe Football Association.
Zimbabwe coach Michael Nees has revealed the Warriors have what it takes to upset Nigeria during their 2026 World Cup qualifying fixture in the West African nation.
The Warriors, who are sitting bottom of Group C, will travel to face the Super Eagles at Godswill Akpabio Stadium on March 25 in their matchday six fixture seeking a win to revive their hopes of qualifying for the global competition.
2026 World Cup Qualifying: Group C Table (four games played)
Points | |
Rwanda | 7 |
South Africa | 7 |
Benin | 7 |
Lesotho | 5 |
Nigeria | 3 |
Zimbabwe | 2 |
The group winner qualifies for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Four of the nine group runners-up qualify for a playoff to determine Africa's representative at the intercontinental qualifying playoff.
However, before facing the Super Eagles, Zimbabwe will entertain Benin in their matchday five clash at Moses Mabhida Stadium on March 20.
Looking ahead of the two fixtures, Nees focused on the Nigeria game, insisting the Super Eagles can easily be beaten and that his side will pull an upset in the away fixture.
“Like us, Nigeria have their back against the wall; they are like wounded lions who want to turn the page (after a poor start to the qualifiers),” said Nees as quoted by The Herald. “It will be an exciting game, and Nigeria are beatable in Uyo.”
Their first meeting between Zimbabwe and Nigeria in November ended 1-1. However, Nigeria are unbeaten in their last seven meetings against Zimbabwe, having managed four wins, and three draws. The last time Zimbabwe beat Nigeria was in 1981.
While Zimbabwe have four two points from four matches, the Super Eagles are placed fifth with three points from the same number of matches. So far, Rwanda is leading the qualifying group with seven points, the same number as second and third placed South Africa and Benin.
Lesotho are lying fourth above Nigeria with five points. Before playing Zimbabwe, Nigeria will face Rwanda’s Amavubi in their matchday five at Amahoro Stadium. This will be the first match for new Rwanda coach Adel Amrouche.
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