Zimbabwe’s coach plots Super Eagles’ fall in Uyo

Bright Osayi-Samuel of Nigeria challenges Jordan Zemura and Obriel Chirinda of Zimbabwe during the 2026 FIFA World Cup Qualifiers between Zimbabwe and Nigeria at Huye Stadium in Butare, Rwanda on 19 November 2023 ©Julius Ntare/BackpagePix

Bright Osayi-Samuel of Nigeria challenges Jordan Zemura and Obriel Chirinda of Zimbabwe during the 2026 FIFA World Cup Qualifiers between Zimbabwe and Nigeria at Huye Stadium in Butare, Rwanda on 19 November 2023 ©Julius Ntare/BackpagePix

Reports emanating from Harare claim that Zimbabwe’s Head Coach, Michael Nees, has allegedly identified Super Eagles’ Achilles heels, which he will deploy against the team in their 2026 World Cup qualifier in Uyo, later this month.
 
Zimbabwe is currently the last team in the six-team Group C with only two points from four games, while Nigeria is second to last with three points. The Zimbabwean Warriors must beat the Super Eagles on March 25 to harbour any hope of overhauling the group, which is currently being led by Rwanda, South Africa, and the Benin Republic with seven points each. With six points, Lesotho is in fourth place.
 
Many pundits have picked the Super Eagles as favourites to win the game against the Warriors, but Nees thinks the vulnerable Nigerians are there for Zimbabwe to tear apart on March 25.
 
“Like us, Nigeria have their back against the wall. They are like wounded lions, eager to turn the page after a poor start to the qualifiers. It will be an exciting game, and Nigeria are beatable in Uyo,” Bulawayo24 quoted Nees to have said.
  
His dream is that Zimbabwe, with little known players will see the opportunity of playing against the likes of Victor Osimhen, Ademola Lookman, and Alex Iwobi as big push to slay the more illustrious Super Eagles.

Zimbabwe has not beaten Nigeria in their last seven meetings, with the last encounter at the beginning of the race to the World Cup to be staged in the United States, Canada and Mexico ending in a draw.
 
To harbour any hope of still challenging for the lone qualifying ticket in Group C, the Warriors must win their next two games before the final run into the ticket.
 
The same applies to the Super Eagles, who must not drop any point against Rwanda on March 17, and Zimbabwe to be in a good position to make it to North America next year.

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