'They messed up their campaign' - Zimbabwe coach urges his players not to be afraid of Super Eagles

Speaking after Sunday's training session in Uyo, Zimbabwe coach Michael Nees has expressed optimism while acknowledging the strength of the Super Eagles and urged his team to rise to the occasion.

At the halfway stage of the 2026 World Cup qualifiers, the Warriors face a mountain to climb in their bid to qualify for the tournament in Canada, Mexico and United States as they are sitting bottom in Group C with three points from five games.

Nees highlighted that the Super Eagles faltered in their opening four matches of the qualifiers and are hoping to turn things around with Malian tactician Eric Chelle now leading the team.

"Nigeria is halfway through the campaign, Nigeria from the individual players is top class, absolutely top class," Nees told the Warriors media team. 

"They messed up their campaign in the beginning, the third coach now in the campaign, they won in Rwanda, which was for them always a little bit difficult opponent.

"They will come now with confidence and with all their power, they want to turn this campaign around, so do we."

The Zimbabwe coach emphasized that his players are ready for the challenge, expecting an exciting and intense encounter at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium on Tuesday evening.

Nees continued: "It will be an exciting game. We have to perform to our maximum for sure. We can expect really tough opponents, giving everything but we have to also give everything."

Urging his team to adapt to the conditions and seize the moment, Nees stressed that preparation and belief would be key to their performance.

"They must accept the challenge, the climate, the pace, the conditions and enjoy it. They mustn't be afraid of anything. There's no reason for it, we can play football.

"We will analyze our opponents and our game. They can believe in themselves, they don't need to be nervous or whatsoever. 

They showed it already many times that they are very good players, very good character and I am really looking forward to this game."

Looking ahead to the atmosphere expected on match day, Nees added: "That will be a real football match. I don't know how many spectators but could be 30,000. 

"I haven't been inside the stadium yet to know how many seats but it will be a nice football game every player likes to play."

In their last seven encounters with the Warriors, the Super Eagles have remained undefeated, recording four victories and three draws.

Ifeanyi Emmanuel

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