Zimbabwe’s head coach, Michael Nees, has vowed that his team will give everything they have in Tuesday’s crucial 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifier against Nigeria, with both teams desperate for victory to stay alive in the race.
In a press conference ahead of the match at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium in Uyo, Nees acknowledged Nigeria’s strong performance in their recent 1-0 victory over Rwanda, which helped revive their faltering qualification campaign.
However, the German tactician made it clear that his own side also needs maximum points to remain competitive in their group.
“Although Nigeria has made a huge recovery after their disastrous start to the qualification process, we are equally desperate for the win, We will give everything we have to stop them from picking up another three points. It’s a game we must win,” Nees said.
Despite Zimbabwe sitting at the bottom of their qualification group, Nees was quick to highlight the resilience shown by his side in their 2-2 draw with Benin Republic last Friday.
Coming from two goals down in their “home” fixture in Durban, South Africa, the Warriors showed grit, but Nees knows that the task ahead of them in Uyo will be much tougher.
“Nigeria, from the individual angle and the names of the players, has top class, It’s absolutely top class. But they messed up their campaign at the beginning, which made it tough. However, they have now woken up in this campaign. They won in Rwanda, and that victory was essential for them. They will come at us with all their power and confidence,” Nees admitted.
Acknowledging the strength of the Super Eagles, who will be determined to continue their recovery, Nees nonetheless vowed that Zimbabwe would not be intimidated.
“Nigeria will come at us with everything they have, but we also need this victory, This is a crucial game for both teams. We will respond with equal fury and force because our World Cup hopes are still alive, and we must fight for every point,” Nees said.
With the 2026 FIFA World Cup set to be co-hosted by Canada, the USA, and Mexico, Nees believes that Tuesday’s match will be a critical moment in both teams’ campaigns.
“We are ready to give everything, and we expect Nigeria to do the same. It’s going to be an exciting game. We must perform to our maximum, and that’s what we will do,” Nees concluded.
