Zimbabwe coach Michael Nees thinks his team can beat Nigeria when they play next month. He brags his team can win against the Super Eagles during their important World Cup match in Uyo at the end of March. His Warriors team sits in last place, right at the bottom of Group C standings, with very few points. Both countries need this win badly since the qualifying games for the big global soccer event just started back up after focusing on the Africa Cup of Nations games.
Nees knows his team faces huge challenges, but he feels confident anyway. He called Nigeria "wounded lions" because they started poorly in earlier games. These two teams tied 1-1 when they played each other back in November 2023 in Rwanda. Nigeria ranks fifth in the group with three points after playing four matches. Zimbabwe has earned just two points total, leaving them at the very bottom of their group. Both teams hope fresh leadership helps change their luck moving forward.
Nigeria recently hired Eric Chelle as its new head coach. Nees himself wasn't around when Zimbabwe began its World Cup journey months ago. Different coaches led the Warriors through their earlier matches against South Africa and Lesotho. The Super Eagles coach plans to shake things up by adding several new players to his team. This means veteran players must prove themselves worthy of keeping their spots on the national squad.
Tolu Arokodare is among the new faces joining Nigeria's team. This powerful striker has scored 16 goals since moving to European soccer leagues. He plays similarly to Paul Onuachu, who left for Southampton. Arokodare jumps well for headers and uses his size effectively against defenders. Victor Osimhen remains Nigeria's main scoring threat, but Arokodare might partner with him or compete against other forwards for playing time during upcoming matches.
Igho Ogbu gives Nigeria another fresh option as a strong central defender. He played in the 2019 Under-20 World Cup before moving from Norway to a major Czech club. His physical style helps him control the area right in front of the goal. Nigeria needed more defensive options after Semi Ajayi got hurt recently. This creates a perfect chance for twenty-five-year-old Ogbu to show his talents at the highest level of international competition.
More new players hope to make an impact for Nigeria. Chrisantus Uche impressed people during his first games with Getafe in Spanish La Liga. Anthony Dennis joined him as another midfield option from Turkish team Goztepe SK. Dennis scores goals regularly and reminds fans of former Nigerian star Wilson Oruma. Local Nigerian league players Papa Daniel, Ifeanyi Onyebuchi, and goalkeeper Kayode Bankole made the team after helping qualify for the upcoming CHAN tournament happening in August.
Nees knows his team faces huge challenges, but he feels confident anyway. He called Nigeria "wounded lions" because they started poorly in earlier games. These two teams tied 1-1 when they played each other back in November 2023 in Rwanda. Nigeria ranks fifth in the group with three points after playing four matches. Zimbabwe has earned just two points total, leaving them at the very bottom of their group. Both teams hope fresh leadership helps change their luck moving forward.
Nigeria recently hired Eric Chelle as its new head coach. Nees himself wasn't around when Zimbabwe began its World Cup journey months ago. Different coaches led the Warriors through their earlier matches against South Africa and Lesotho. The Super Eagles coach plans to shake things up by adding several new players to his team. This means veteran players must prove themselves worthy of keeping their spots on the national squad.
Tolu Arokodare is among the new faces joining Nigeria's team. This powerful striker has scored 16 goals since moving to European soccer leagues. He plays similarly to Paul Onuachu, who left for Southampton. Arokodare jumps well for headers and uses his size effectively against defenders. Victor Osimhen remains Nigeria's main scoring threat, but Arokodare might partner with him or compete against other forwards for playing time during upcoming matches.
Igho Ogbu gives Nigeria another fresh option as a strong central defender. He played in the 2019 Under-20 World Cup before moving from Norway to a major Czech club. His physical style helps him control the area right in front of the goal. Nigeria needed more defensive options after Semi Ajayi got hurt recently. This creates a perfect chance for twenty-five-year-old Ogbu to show his talents at the highest level of international competition.
More new players hope to make an impact for Nigeria. Chrisantus Uche impressed people during his first games with Getafe in Spanish La Liga. Anthony Dennis joined him as another midfield option from Turkish team Goztepe SK. Dennis scores goals regularly and reminds fans of former Nigerian star Wilson Oruma. Local Nigerian league players Papa Daniel, Ifeanyi Onyebuchi, and goalkeeper Kayode Bankole made the team after helping qualify for the upcoming CHAN tournament happening in August.
