Zimbabwe national team coach, Michael Nees, says he is confident in his team as they get ready to face Benin and Nigeria in the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers.
The Warriors are currently bottom of Group C with just two points. They will play Benin at the Moses Mabhida Stadium in Durban, South Africa, on Thursday before travelling to Uyo to face Nigeria next Tuesday.
Even though many see Zimbabwe as underdogs, Nees believes his team can change their situation with the right attitude.
Speaking to herald.co.zw, the German coach said having a positive mindset is key if they want to win their next games.
“We have to restart our World Cup qualification campaign in a positive way,” Nees said.
“We want to bring back the good feeling and do everything we can to turn things around and move up the table.
“That’s our focus now. The next challenge is a tough match against Benin on Thursday.”
Nees has already made a name for himself in Zimbabwe after leading the Warriors to qualify for the 2025 AFCON tournament. However, he faces a difficult task against Nigeria’s Super Eagles, who are also eager for a win to boost their hopes of qualifying for the World Cup.
Nigeria are currently fifth in Group C with three points—one point ahead of Zimbabwe. The Super Eagles will first take on Rwanda, the group leaders, at the Amahoro Stadium on Friday before hosting the Warriors in Uyo.
With pressure on both teams, these upcoming games could be key to their chances of qualifying for the World Cup.