The country’s senior men national soccer team, the Warriors, resume their World Cup qualifying campaign with a blockbuster against the Super Eagles of Nigeria on Tuesday.
Michael Nees’ charges will be hoping to revive their slim chance of booking a place at the global spectacle to be co-hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico next year.
Zimbabwe came from behind to force a 2-2 draw with Benin at the Moses Mabhida Stadium in Durban to register their third point in Group C after five rounds of matches.
Former captain Knowledge Musona returned with a bang to net a 59th minute leveler—his 25th goal for the Warriors.
Nees will be hoping on Musona and his former Aces Youth Academy teammate Khama Billiat’s experience as Zimbabwe plan what would be a huge upset against Nigeria.
The two sides played out a 1-1 draw in Rwanda last year, with Walter Musona netting a scorcher of a free kick.
There are no injury concerns in the Warriors squad, and Nees will have all his options from defense to attack.
Emmanuel Jalai, who played at blinder at right back against Benin, will be hoping to keep his place in the team.
“Squad has arrived in Uyo after a 3 hour delay in Lagos. Staying at the Ibom Icon Hotel & Golf Resort.
No injury concerns for the Warriors after the Benin match,” read a statement from ZIFA.
Eritrean match officials will handle the game, with the referee being TSEGAY Teklu Mogos, who will be assisted by GEBRU Eyobel Michael, MENGIS Sirak Samuel, while the fourth official will be OSMAN Idris Mohammed.
