Michael Nees, the former head coach of the Zimbabwe national football team, has admitted his country is out of the race for the upcoming 2026 FIFA World Cup playoff in Morocco — but says he sees Nigeria’s Super Eagles as very capable of advancing through the final knockout stage.
Nees, whose tenure ended following Zimbabwe’s elimination, said the playoff format — a single-leg knockout held in Morocco in November — magnifies every mistake. “When you’re in the mix, one bad moment or one missed chance becomes your exit ticket,” he explained.
He picked out the Super Eagles as a team that appears to be striking the right balance at the right time. “Nigeria are built for this kind of test — once they settle, they have pace, power, experience and talent,” Nees said.
“The playoff in Morocco is brutal. The Super Eagles know the job ahead, and I believe they can handle it.”
While Zimbabwe’s campaign faltered, Nees defended his players, saying that structural deficiencies rather than individual quality had held them back. Yet he branded Nigeria’s task as no less formidable. “They must be mentally ready, tactically sharp and thematically clear,” he added.
The playoff event, scheduled from 13 to 16 November in Morocco, will determine Africa’s final representatives for the World Cup in the USA, Canada and Mexico next year. The Super Eagles, who secured their playoff berth, now head into their preparation camp with renewed urgency.
Despite his dismissal, Nees said he wishes Nigeria well — emphasising that when African powerhouses rise, the continent benefits. “Nigeria making it strengthens African football,” he said. “When one of the bigs is there, it raises everyone.”
If all goes right, Nigeria will enter Morocco as one of the favourites — and Nees believes they are ready
