Ahead of their 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifier against the Super Eagles, Zimbabwe head coach Michael Nees has praised the Nigerian Football Federation (NFF) for providing top-class training facilities and a hospitable environment for his team.
The Warriors of Zimbabwe, currently bottom of Group C, are in Nigeria to take on the Super Eagles, who climbed to fourth place after securing a much-needed 2-0 victory over Rwanda last Friday.
Despite his team’s struggles in the qualifiers, Nees remains optimistic and has been thoroughly impressed by Nigeria’s footballing infrastructure, describing it as world-class.
Zimbabwe Coach Impressed with Super Eagles’ Hospitality
Speaking to the Zimbabwean Football Federation media team, Nees expressed his satisfaction with the arrangements made by Nigeria for his team’s stay.
“The hotel is fine, we’ve settled in. We were delayed yesterday because our flight was canceled, so we lost a couple of hours. The hotel is very spacious, and I think we cannot complain about that. That was the former hotel of Nigeria, who have moved now to another hotel,” Nees said.
He also went on to praise the Super Eagles’ training facilities, admitting that Zimbabwe would love to have something of similar quality back home.
“The training pitch, I think you can see for yourself, we would be happy to have something like this in our own country. It’s really very good, and I am impressed. The training pitch is soft, not too hard. The stadium pitch—I expect even better.”
These remarks reflect the high standards the Super Eagles enjoy in their preparations, further emphasizing Nigeria’s status as a footballing powerhouse in Africa.
Super Eagles vs. Zimbabwe: A Must-Win Clash for Nigeria
The Super Eagles have endured a difficult start to their 2026 FIFA World Cup qualification campaign, failing to win any of their first four matches before finally breaking the deadlock against Rwanda with a 2-0 victory last week.
Currently sitting fourth in Group C with six points, Nigeria is still behind South Africa (10 points), Benin Republic (8 points), and Rwanda (7 points). With only the top two teams qualifying directly for the World Cup, every match is crucial, making the Zimbabwe fixture a must-win for the Super Eagles.
Eric Chelle’s side knows that anything less than a victory will put their World Cup hopes in serious jeopardy, and the players are expected to put in a strong performance to secure all three points.
Zimbabwe, on the other hand, has yet to win a single game in the qualifiers, recording three draws (against Rwanda, Nigeria, and Benin Republic) and one defeat. The Super Eagles will be looking to capitalize on this poor form and claim another vital victory.
Super Eagles’ Key Players to Watch Against Zimbabwe
Victor Osimhen
After scoring a brace against Rwanda, Galatasaray striker Victor Osimhen will be the main attacking threat for the Super Eagles once again. The 26-year-old forward has been Nigeria’s most consistent goal scorer in the qualifiers, and his movement, finishing, and aerial ability will be key to unlocking the Zimbabwean defense.
Ademola Lookman
The reigning African Footballer of the Year and Atalanta winger has been one of the most dangerous attacking players for Nigeria in recent months. His dribbling skills, creativity, and ability to win fouls in dangerous positions will be crucial in breaking down Zimbabwe’s defensive setup.
Ola Aina
The Nottingham Forest full-back provides stability in defense while also contributing to Nigeria’s attacking play down the wings. His ability to support the attack and track back to defend against counterattacks will be important against Zimbabwe.
Troost-Ekong
As the captain of the Super Eagles, Troost-Ekong will need to marshal the defense and ensure that Nigeria does not concede any unnecessary goals. His leadership and experience will be vital in guiding the team through this crucial fixture.
Zimbabwe’s Plan to Frustrate Super Eagles
Despite being at the bottom of the group, Zimbabwe is not expected to make things easy for the Super Eagles. The Warriors have already managed to hold Nigeria to a 1-1 draw in the first leg of the qualifiers, and they will be hoping to replicate that result.
Coach Michael Nees acknowledged the strength of the Super Eagles squad but believes his side can still put up a fight.
“Nigeria, through the squad and the names, are just top-class. They messed it up at the beginning, and I think it’s their third coach now in these qualifiers. They won against a difficult opponent in Rwanda, so they’ll come with all power and confidence. It will be an exciting game. We will give everything as well,” he stated.
Zimbabwe is likely to adopt a defensive approach, looking to frustrate Nigeria and hit them on the counterattack. Their focus will be on limiting Osimhen and Lookman’s influence, while also trying to exploit any gaps in the Nigerian defense.
What This Match Means for Super Eagles’ World Cup Hopes
With South Africa facing Benin Republic in another crucial Group C match, the outcome of that game could also have a major impact on Nigeria’s qualification hopes.
A South African victory would extend their lead at the top, making it even more difficult for Nigeria to overtake them. However, if Benin manages to win or force a draw, the group will remain open, keeping the Super Eagles’ chances alive.
At the same time, Rwanda will take on Lesotho, another match that could influence the Super Eagles’ position in the group. A Rwanda win would see them remain ahead of Nigeria, while a Lesotho win or draw would create a more balanced table.
Regardless of these results, Nigeria must focus on securing all three points against Zimbabwe. A victory will not only boost their standings but also restore confidence in the team and its fans.
Match Venue and Kickoff Time
The Super Eagles will host Zimbabwe at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium in Uyo, a venue known for its electric atmosphere when Nigeria plays.
- Date: Tuesday, March 25, 2025
- Kickoff Time: 5:00 PM (West African Time)
With the pressure mounting, the Super Eagles must rise to the occasion and deliver a performance worthy of a three-time African champion. Anything less than a victory could see their 2026 FIFA World Cup dreams fade away.
Final Thoughts
As the Super Eagles prepare to face Zimbabwe, the stakes could not be higher. While Michael Nees and his team have been impressed by Nigeria’s hospitality and training facilities, they will still aim to cause an upset.
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For Eric Chelle’s men, however, there is no room for errors. A dominant display and all three points are non-negotiable if Nigeria wants to keep their World Cup qualification hopes alive.
Can the Super Eagles secure another win and continue their resurgence? All eyes will be on Uyo this Tuesday.
