Zimbabwe national team coach, Michael Nees, has sent a strong message to Nigeria’s Super Eagles and other 2026 FIFA World Cup Group C opponents, warning them not to underestimate his side.
Despite sitting at the bottom of the group with just two points from four matches, Zimbabwe remains determined to fight for qualification. They are set to face Super Eagles on matchday five in a crucial encounter n Uyo.
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Speaking with Zimbabwe Football Association (ZIFA) Online TV, the 57-year-old German coach insisted that the battle for qualification is far from over.
“We’re not out yet,” Nees asserted.
Rwanda currently tops the group with seven points, followed by South Africa and Benin Republic. Lesotho holds fourth place with five points, while Nigeria’s Super Eagles are in fifth with three points.
“We need to put in strong performances and stay in the race. The table shows we have two points and a goal difference of minus four, but nothing is decided yet. There are still six games left, meaning 18 points up for grabs,” Nees explained.
Looking ahead to the upcoming qualifiers in March, he expressed confidence in his squad’s ability to bounce back.
“It’s crucial that we respond strongly. We’ll give everything on the pitch and make sure we fight until the end. Let’s see how things unfold,” he added.
With the qualification race still open, Zimbabwe will be looking to make a statement when they take on Nigeria in a pivotal clash.
The warriors of Zimbabwe.
The 57-year old is a “holder of a UEFA Pro Licence from Germany and an M.A. degree in Sports Science, Performance. Physiology, and Ethnology from the prestigious University of Heidelberg.
Nigeria will travel to Kigali to face Rwanda on March 21 before hosting Zimbabwe in Uyo four days later.
With Rwanda leading Group C on seven points—closely followed by South Africa and Benin—Nigeria must secure maximum points to stay in the qualification race. Lesotho sits fourth with five points, while Zimbabwe trails at the bottom with two.