Sports

2026 World Cup: Why Super Eagles Is Struggling to Qualify – Zimbabwe Coach, Nees

Published

2 days ago

Mar 24, 2025.

Coaching Instability: Nigeria has used three different coaches during the 2026 World Cup qualifiers—Finidi George, Austine Eguavoen, and now Eric Chelle.
Early Struggles: Zimbabwe’s coach, Michael Nees, believes Nigeria’s poor start hurt their chances despite having top-class players.
Upcoming Clash: Both teams are eager to revive their campaigns as Nigeria sits fourth in Group C with six points, while Zimbabwe is last with three points.

Zimbabwe’s head coach, Michael Nees, has said that Nigeria ruined their chances in the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers from the beginning.

Nees pointed out that the Super Eagles have already had three different coaches during the qualifiers. Finidi George and Austine Eguavoen led the team in the early stages before the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) appointed Eric Chelle as head coach in January.

After a training session in Uyo on Sunday, Nees shared his thoughts with the Zimbabwe team’s media. He admitted that Nigeria has talented players but struggled early on.

“Nigeria is halfway through the qualifiers. Their players are top class, no doubt,” Nees said. “But they messed up at the start. This is their third coach already. They recently beat Rwanda, who have always been a tough opponent for them.