The scorching heat in the Nigeria city of Uyo, requires adaptation.
At this point in time, it is almost guaranteed that Nigeria will host Zimbabwe in a 2026 World Cup qualifiers Group C clash at the Akpabio Stadium, in temperatures believed to be in the region of 34 degrees.
The two sides renew their rivalry after playing out an entertaining 1-1 stalemate in the reverse fixture last year.
Nigeria revived their campaign with a crucial 2-0 victory over Rwanda last week.
The Super Eagles are third on the log standings with seven points from their five matches.
Zimbabwe on the other hand, failed to revive their faltering campaign, after they were held to a 2-2 draw by Benin at the Moses Mabhida Stadium in Durban.
Michael Nees’ troops anchor the log standings, having amassed three points.
Nigeria coach Eric Chelle is of the view that his side will collect maximum points against Zimbabwe, and the focus is on that target.
“We need to be focused on this second game. It is the most important game now. I am proud of what my players did in Rwanda. It was very difficult, but they did the job,” Chelle told Nigerian media yesterday.
“We have done our training sessions, and we have to face the game because it is not going to be easy. Zimbabwe have a good team with good players and a good coach that has a good game project. So we need to be focused and do the job,” he added.
The Warriors will be no pushovers though, as Nees has only lost one match since taking over as Zimbabwe coach.
The German will be hoping that the duo of Khama Billiat and Knowledge Musona use their experience to plan the Super Eagles’ downfall.
Kick off is at 18:00.
