Zimbabwe’s head coach Michael Nees has expressed his satisfaction with the conditions in Uyo, Nigeria, as his team prepares to take on the Super Eagles in a crucial 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifier.
The fixture, set for Tuesday, March 25, 2025, at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium, carries significant weight for the Warriors, who currently sit at the bottom of their qualification group.
With Zimbabwe in desperate need of points, Nees remains optimistic about his side’s preparations.
Nees impressed by facilities
Speaking during a training session in Uyo, the 57-year-old German coach commended the environment and facilities available to his team.
The Zimbabwe Football Association shared his remarks on social media platform X, highlighting his positive impression of the setup in Nigeria.
“I’m happy with the conditions here,” Nees said. “We also need something like this at home.”
His comments suggest a level of admiration for the infrastructure in Uyo, which has been a favored venue for the Nigerian national team.
The stadium’s playing surface and overall organization have previously earned praise from both local and visiting teams.
A critical encounter for Zimbabwe
Zimbabwe enters the match under immense pressure, having struggled to gain momentum in the qualifiers.
Their last outing saw them salvage a 2-2 draw against Benin, a result that kept their slim hopes of qualification alive.
However, facing Nigeria on home soil presents a much greater challenge.
The Super Eagles, despite a slow start to their campaign, have begun to find form.
They secured their first victory of the qualifiers with a 2-0 win over Rwanda on Matchday 5.
With the backing of their home supporters and the momentum from their recent success, Nigeria will be eager to secure another three points.
A battle at opposite ends of the table
As the teams prepare to face off, the group standings highlight the contrasting positions of both sides.
Nigeria currently sits fourth, while Zimbabwe lingers in sixth place.
A victory for the Super Eagles could significantly improve their chances of qualification, while Zimbabwe is fighting to avoid further setbacks.
With Nees and his team feeling comfortable in Uyo, the Warriors will hope that their preparations translate into a strong performance against a formidable Nigerian side.
Fans can expect a competitive encounter as both nations vie for crucial World Cup qualifying points.
