Michael Nees, the coach for Zimbabwe, expressed that Nigeria should not expect to qualify for the 2026 FIFA World Cup if Zimbabwe fails to do so.
The Warriors are set to face the Super Eagles in a vital World Cup qualifying match on Tuesday at the Godswill Akpabio Stadium in Uyo.
Zimbabwe’s aspirations to qualify for their first ever World Cup took a significant hit after a 2-2 draw against Benin Republic in Durban, where they managed to equalise after falling two goals behind thanks to strikes from Marshall Munetsi and Knowledge Musona.
When questioned about the impact of this result on his team’s World Cup ambitions, Nees appeared to throw shade at the three-time African champions, while insisting that Group C remains very much open.
“Qualification is only considered over when there are no theoretical chances left. So, if you assess it that way, the group is still wide open.
“It’s feasible for any team to ascend and it’s equally possible for any team to drop down.
“With five matches left and 15 points still on offer, no team has been eliminated yet, and no team has secured qualification.”
Despite this, the former Rwanda manager recognised the prowess of the 2013 Africa Cup of Nations victors but is cautious about the match location, describing it as a daunting environment for visiting teams.
“Uyo in Nigeria presents a challenge for any squad, although it’s worth noting that the Super Eagles have lost a few matches there,” he noted.
“Nigeria, at this point, is akin to a wounded lion; everyone is aware that the Nigerian team possesses more quality than their current standing reflects, yet for reasons unknown, they seem to be struggling.”
“It promises to be an exhilarating match as both teams share a similar standing and will need to deliver strong performances to secure points.”
Currently, Zimbabwe is at the bottom of the group, having managed only three points from five matches played thus far, and they have not yet secured a victory. A defeat against Eric Chelle’s revitalised Eagles could spell doom for their World Cup hopes.
Nees took over from Jairos Tapera as the Warriors’ head coach in 2024, after stepping down from his position with the Kosovo U21 side.
The Zimbabwe Football Association’s decision to appoint the German coach seems astute given his previous stints managing African teams, including Seychelles and Rwanda, and his role as a technical advisor for South Africa from 2008 to 2009.
As he seeks his inaugural win, the ex-Karlsruher FV player emphasised his vast experience and its value in turning the situation around. He stated: “I’ve worked in several countries and have taken on various roles.
“I bring a diverse background. Football is not determined solely by on-field training; it encompasses many elements, especially as a national coach.”
“I believe I can offer a wealth of versatile experience—of that, I am confident.”
Captain Munetsi shared coach Nees’ optimism about Zimbabwe’s prospects in Uyo, highlighting that qualifying for the World Cup would mark a historic achievement for the nation.
“Nigeria may be a bigger football nation, but for Zimbabwe, qualifying for the World Cup would be more historic than Nigeria’s qualification,” he remarked during Monday’s pre-match press conference.
“I believe every player desires to create history, something that has yet to be achieved in our country.
“This drives us; it fuels our determination to compete. Although we did not begin the qualification process as ideally as we hoped and dropped some points away from home.
“Unlike Nigeria, we do not have the advantage of hosting our home matches there, but we are not here for a holiday; we’re here to carve out our own legacy.”
Following Tuesday’s matches, the qualification efforts will resume in September 2025.
Compiled by SportArena.com.au.
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