Warriors coach Michael Nees believes Nigeria’s Super Eagles can be beaten ahead of their 2026 World Cup qualifier later this month in Uyo.
The Warriors, who are currently bottom in Group C, will play against the Super Eagles on March 25 in Uyo as the World Cup qualification continues.
Nees knows the Warriors have a tough task ahead to get back into the race but insists it is still possible. He said:
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Like us, Nigeria have their back against the wall; they are like wounded lions who want to turn the page (after a poor start to the qualifiers). It will be an exciting game, and Nigeria are beatable in Uyo.
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When the two teams met in November 2023, they played to a 1-1 draw in Huye, Rwanda.
Nigeria are currently fifth in Group C with three points from four matches, while Zimbabwe are at the bottom with two points.
Since their last meeting, both teams have changed coaches.
Michael Nees was not in charge when the Warriors started their World Cup qualification campaign.
Brazilian coach Baltemar Britto led the Warriors during the matches in Rwanda, before Jairos Tapera, coach of Manica Diamonds, took over for the games against South Africa and Lesotho.

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Zimbabwe's coach, Michael Nees, believes their team can beat Nigeria's Super Eagles in the World Cup qualifier. The game will be on March 25 in Uyo. Both teams are currently struggling in Group C. Nigeria has three points and Zimbabwe has two. Both teams have new coaches since their last meeting. Nees is confident in his team's abilities to win. Nigeria is beatable, and the Warriors are ready for an exciting match. Let's see if they can turn things around and surprise everyone with a win!

Michael Nees Confident Zimbabwe Can Beat Nigeria In 2026 World Cup Qualifier

The Zimbabwe Senior Men’s National Team, the Warriors, will face Benin in their Matchday 5, 2026 Group C FIFA World Cup Qualifier at Moses Mabhida Stadium in Durban, South Africa. The match is scheduled for Thursday, 20 March 2025, with a 6 PM kick-off time.
The Zimbabwe Football Association (ZIFA) has set the entrance fee for the Rest of the Ground at R50.
Originally, ZIFA had planned to host the fixture in Polokwane. However, after the venue was allocated to Bafana Bafana in January, alternative locations were considered. ZIFA said in a statement:
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Johannesburg’s approved stadiums were unavailable due to rugby and other events, while Cape Town Stadium is undergoing pitch renovations.
After an extensive search, Moses Mabhida Stadium emerged as the perfect venue – a world-class facility that has hosted top international matches and offers ideal conditions for our playing style.
ZIFA is excited to bring the Warriors closer to their passionate supporters in Durban and across the region.
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ZIFA urged all Zimbabwean football fans to come out in full force, fill the stands with yellow and green, and rally behind the team as they continue their pursuit of World Cup qualification.
Zimbabwe currently sits at the bottom of Group C with just 2 points from four matches.
Rwanda, South Africa, and Benin each have 7 points, while Lesotho follows with 5 points. Nigeria has accumulated 3 points.

The Warriors, Zimbabwe's soccer team, will play Benin in a FIFA World Cup Qualifier at Moses Mabhida Stadium in South Africa. The match is on 20th March at 6 PM. The entrance fee is R50. The game was moved from Polokwane to Durban due to venue issues. ZIFA chose Moses Mabhida Stadium because it's a world-class facility. They want fans to come and support the team. The team needs to win to qualify for the World Cup.

Warriors To Face Benin In FIFA World Cup Qualifier At Moses Mabhida Stadium

Interim Warriors coach Jairos Tapera says the team did not perform badly in the losses to Lesotho (0-2) and South Africa (3-1) in the 2026 CAF World Cup qualifiers played in South Africa recently.
Former Warriors coach Baltemar Brito secured 2 points from two games—against Rwanda and Nigeria—in November 2023. Tapera failed to win a single point from two matches.
Tapera blamed the losses on poor organisation, the FIFA ban, the inclusion of youngsters in the squad and inadequate preparation time. He said (via <a href="https://www.herald.co.zw/warriors-still-hopeful/">The Herald</a>):
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We picked some positives in many areas that I think we can build from with time. Well, there is a team (Benin) who are on seven points right now but they were in bottom place.
They only won two games and they are joint top now. Let’s take what has happened here as the starting point where we can launch from. If we get organised, we will be able to do well in our next assignments.
In terms of goals conceded, the two games haven’t been good at all. But in terms of overall performance, I think we have somewhere to start.
I respect the boys for their performances during the two games even though we lost. In terms of performance, it wasn’t bad.
When you assemble as a team, everybody wants you to win. We wanted to play as a team but you are coming from the ban and you are getting into these games, you have these youngsters coming into the game who have to gel with the senior players you have, I think we will get there.
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Tapera was appointed caretaker coach by the ZIFA Normalisation Committee after the squad for the two matches had already been selected.
However, all is not yet lost for Zimbabwe as there are six matches still to be played in this campaign. The Warriors are only 5 points behind Group C leaders Benin, South Africa and Rwanda.
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

Tapera Defends Warriors' Performance In World Cup Qualifiers

Zimbabwe is yet to taste victory in the ongoing CAF 2026 World Cup qualifiers after losing 3-1 to South Africa on Matchday Four at the Free State Stadium in Bloemfontein on Tuesday evening.
The Warriors were beaten 0-2 by Lesotho on Friday, and drew their other two matches against Rwanda and Nigeria, respectively, in November 2023.
Yesterday, Bafana Bafana made the perfect start when Iqraam Rayners pounced on a defensive blunder by Munashe Garan’anga and scored in the opening minute.
However, South Africa’s lead lasted only 60 seconds as Tawanda Chirewa pulled one back almost immediately, to give the Warriors hope of a win.
Later in the first half, Bafana Bafana goalkeeper Ronwen Williams had to be alert to prevent 20-year-old Chirewa from hitting the back of the net.
South Africa thought they had scored a second goal through Rayners, but Elias Mokwana, playing down the right wing, was judged to have been offside.
Hugo Broos’ men went ahead early in the second half when Oswin Appolis crossed for substitute Thapelo Morena, who was left with a simple tap-in to make it 2-1 to the hosts after the Warriors goalkeeper failed to hold onto the ball.
With Zimbabwe looking for the equaliser, space opened up in the centre of the pitch and Teboho Mokoena put substitute Morena through on goal.
Morena rounded Warriors goalkeeper Geoffrey Chitsumba to make it 3-1 to give South Africa some breathing space.
In the end, Bafana Bafana were able to hold on for the 3-1 win to boost their standing in Group C of World Cup qualifying.
Meanwhile, Rwanda are now the leaders of Group C, which includes South Africa, Benin, Zimbabwe, Lesotho and Nigeria.
Three teams are now tied with seven points in the group as South Africa and Benin picked up crucial wins on matchday four.
Despite having an impressive start in the CAF 2026 World Cup qualifiers, Lesotho were beaten 1-0 by Rwanda on Tuesday.
The World Cup qualifiers resume in March 2025, with the Warriors set to host Benin on the 17th, before taking on Nigeria on the 24th.
Teams:
South Africa: Ronwen Williams, Mothobi Mvala, Siyabonga Ngezana, Khuliso Mudau, Aubrey Modiba, Siphephelo Sithole, Teboho Mokoena, Themba Zwane, Oswin Appollis (Relebohile Mofokeng 90min), Elias Mokwana (Thapelo Morena 46min), Iqraam Rayners.
Zimbabwe: Geoffrey Chitsumba, Godknows Murwira, Gerald Takwara, Munashe Garan’anga, Divine Lunga, Walter Musona (Tymon Machope 89min), Richard Hachiro, Andy Rinomhota (Jordan Zemura 89min), Marshal Munetsi, Douglas Mapfumo (Daniel Msendami 46min), Tawanda Chirewa (Tawanda Maswanhise 90min).
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

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