'Nigeria is second from the bottom' - Zimbabwe coach highlights Super Eagles struggles in WCQs

Zimbabwe head coach Michael Nees has reflected on the unpredictable nature of Group C in the 2026 World Cup qualifiers, emphasizing Nigeria's surprising struggles in the group.

Ahead of the resumption of the qualifiers in March, the Super Eagles are playing catch-up in the group after picking up three points from four matches played and trail leaders Rwanda by four points.

Nigeria have made a managerial change, bringing in Malian tactician Eric Chelle as a replacement for George Finidi who was forced to resign following a poor run of results, including a 2-1 loss to Benin's Cheetahs at a neutral venue.

'The team started the World Cup journey about a year and a half ago. It was interrupted by the AFCON qualification, as you know," Nees was quoted as saying by The Herald. 

"And when you look at the situation in the World Cup group, our situation is not perfect."

Nees acknowledged Zimbabwe's own challenges, sitting last with two points and a minus-four goal difference. 

However, he found Nigeria’s position just above them with three points equally surprising.

"It's a very bizarre situation when you look at it, that a team like Nigeria is second from the bottom while Rwanda is leading. But it shows how competitive football is," he noted.

The coach stressed that success requires more than talent. "If you don't bring the right psychological profile, the right mental approach, the right attitude,  the right tactical approach, organizational support. 

"If you don't get everything right, even a team like Nigeria can simply now sit almost at the bottom of the group and others are leading."

Following their dismal performances after four matchdays, the Super Eagles will look to get their World Cup qualifying campaign back on track when they do battler with Rwanda and Zimbabwe in March.
 

Ifeanyi Emmanuel 

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