Zimbabwe head coach Michael Nees has revealed that the Warriors came into their 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifier against Nigeria with a specific game plan to frustrate the Super Eagles—and it worked.
Speaking at the post-match press conference, Nees explained that his team anticipated Nigeria’s strategy, knowing the Super Eagles would start the game with confidence after their 2-0 victory over Rwanda.
According to him, Zimbabwe’s plan was to stay in the game and capitalize on Nigeria’s fatigue as the match progressed.
Nees: “We Knew Nigeria Would Get Slower as the Game Went On”
The Zimbabwean coach provided detailed insights into his team’s tactical approach, emphasizing their patience and resilience.
“Regarding the match, everybody could see it actually evolved as we had anticipated.”
“We knew that Nigeria had gained a little bit of confidence from their win against Rwanda, and they came with a little bit more confidence wanting to turn their World Cup qualification around.”
“But we knew that the longer the game went, the slower they were going to get, and it was exactly the way it played out.”
“Nigeria’s Lead Was Not Enough to Keep Us Down”
After Victor Osimhen’s diving header put Nigeria ahead in the 74th minute, Zimbabwe remained determined.
They almost equalized immediately when Knowledge Musona hit the crossbar, but they kept pushing forward.
“Of course, then you scored them on several, but I think we showed that we don’t give up. I think two, three, or more minutes, we would have come home with a win.”
“Your team was in defense, dead physically. One or two more attacks, I think we could have finished the job.”
“We Knew Nigeria Would Get Frustrated”
Nees pointed out that his team was aware of Nigeria’s struggles under pressure, which they used to their advantage.
“And we know when things don’t go 100% the Nigerian way, they get frustrated and a little bit panicked. The pressure was definitely much more on Nigeria.”
“If It’s Over for Us, Then It’s Over for Nigeria Too” – Zimbabwe Coach
Zimbabwe’s late equalizer in the 90th minute, courtesy of Tawanda Chirewa, stunned the Super Eagles and left Nigeria’s qualification hopes in serious doubt.
“The World Cup qualification is over when it’s over. If it was over for us, then it was also for Nigeria over.”
With Nigeria dropping points again, they now sit fourth in Group C, six points behind leaders South Africa, making their road to the 2026 FIFA World Cup even more difficult.
