Egypt and Nigeria are Africa’s best attacking teams – Zimbabwe coach Michael Nees

Zimbabwe head coach Michael Nees has hailed Egypt and Nigeria as the two most dangerous attacking sides on the continent, describing them as teams capable of dismantling any defence ahead of next year’s Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco.

The German tactician made the remark after Zimbabwe concluded a disappointing 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifying campaign, finishing bottom of Group C with just five points and no victories in ten matches.

While South Africa topped the group to secure an automatic ticket to the World Cup, Zimbabwe’s results indirectly influenced Nigeria’s qualification path.

Matches involving the Warriors were excluded from the runners-up ranking calculations — a development that favoured the Super Eagles in the final standings.

Despite boasting one of Africa’s most gifted forward lines led by Victor Osimhen, Nigeria netted only 15 goals in the qualifiers, with the Napoli striker scoring six.

Their tally was outmatched by several nations, including Egypt, Ghana, Senegal, and Morocco, underscoring the competitiveness of African football.

Looking ahead to the AFCON, Nees acknowledged the formidable challenge awaiting his side in Group D, which includes Egypt, South Africa, and Angola.

“We are in a very difficult group. Egypt with Nigeria, the best attacking team in Africa. Angola, a very dangerous team,” Nees told reporters after Zimbabwe’s loss to Lesotho.

He added that every side heading to Morocco will be aiming to progress beyond the group stage.

“Every team that plays at the Afcon wants to go to the second round. I don’t think there’s any team that goes there to play three games and go home.”