Zimbabwe’s star Emmanuel Jalai is confident in his team’s ability to overcome Nigeria in Wednesday’s 2026 World Cup qualifying match.
The Warriors are aiming for their first win in the World Cup qualifying campaign, but they must navigate a tough challenge against the Super Eagles at the Godswill Akpabio Stadium.
Michael Nees’ men head into the match after a disappointing 2-2 draw at home against Benin Republic in Durban, but the defender remains optimistic that his team can turn things around against the West Africans.
“We’ve put the disappointing draw with Benin behind us and are focused on the crucial game against Nigeria,” Jalai told DCSports in an exclusive interview.
“It won’t be easy, but we’re ready for the challenge and determined to give our best to get the win.
“We respect our hosts (Nigeria), but we won’t be carried away by their top talents. If we play our best football, we have what it takes to surprise them, even in front of their home fans.”
With only three points from five matches, Michael Nees’ men sit at the bottom of Group C. However, Jalai remains hopeful and believes the team can still qualify for the World Cup, set to be hosted by Canada, the United States, and Mexico.
He continued: “Right now, we’re not in a good position, but we can’t be counted out because the group is still open.
“We’ll keep giving our best and continue fighting for World Cup qualification, which is the dream of every footballer.”
During Monday’s pre-match conference, captain Marshall Munetsi emphasized the importance of a win at the Super Eagles’ stronghold in Uyo, while stating that securing a spot in the World Cup would be a historic achievement for Zimbabwe.
“Nigeria is a much more bigger country in football but Zimbabwe qualifying for the World Cup would be more historical for us than Nigeria qualifying,” he told the media.
“I think all the guys want to do something historical, it is something that has never been done in our country.
“It is something that’s going to drive us, that will give us the energy to compete, we didn’t start the qualification the way we would have wanted, we lost some points away.
“We don’t have the same privilege Nigeria has that is not playing our home games at home but everyone should realize that we are not here for holidays we are here to make our own history.”
Shina Oludare is a distinguished sports journalist and managing editor, renowned for his comprehensive coverage of African football. His dedication to elevating African sports on the global stage has earned him widespread respect, along with numerous accolades for his contributions. A graduate of the LaLiga Business School in Madrid, Oludare’s passion for sports and his influential work in African football journalism have established him as a leading figure in the industry.
