Zimbabwean players have insisted that the Warriors will not be intimidated by the pedigree of Nigeria’s Super Eagles when both sides clash today in a crucial 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifier at the Godswill Akpabio Stadium, Uyo.
Recall that a brace from Victor Osimhen last Friday gave Nigeria a 2-0 win over the Wasps of Rwanda in Kigali and restored the team’s hopes of qualifying for the 2026 Mundial now with six points, four adrift of the group C leaders, South Africa’s Bafana Bafana.
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Tawanda Chirewa, who plays as a right winger for Huddersfield Town on loan from Premier League club Wolves, remains confident ahead of the game.
“I’m just focused on recovery and preparing to go again on Tuesday [today] against Nigeria, which is a very good team.
“A lot of their players compete in England and Europe, but I want to go out there and showcase my abilities. Our squad also has plenty of talented players, so there’s no reason to fear Nigeria,” Chirewa, 21, told The Standard, as per the Daily Post.
His teammate, Andy Rinomhota, also expressed confidence that the Warriors can spring surprises in Uyo.
“We’re optimistic. We got a result against Nigeria last time, even though it was technically a home game in Rwanda,” he said.
“That was my first game – it was a big test, and the team did well to draw.
“This time, we want to go a step further. We respect Nigeria, but not too much. We’ll try to impose ourselves. We’ve come here to get a result and keep pushing towards our goal.
“We drew the first game against them and could’ve even won it – this time we are looking to go one better,” Rinomhota said.
Meanwhile, Eritrean referee, Tsegay Teklu Mogos will take charge of the match scheduled to kick off at 5pm.
