Uyo, Nigeria — Zimbabwe defender Jordan Zemura don talk say dem need to stop Super Eagles key players Victor Osimhen and Ademola Lookman wen dem meet for 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifier on Tuesday. Osimhen and Lookman don dey shine for their clubs this season, and dem help Nigeria win Rwanda 2-0 last Friday, with Osimhen scoring twice and Lookman providing an assist.
Zemura, wey dey play for Serie A club Udinese, recognize the challenge of containing two dangerous players. “Dem be unbelievable players, both of dem. Lookman wey dey play for Atalanta na very talented player, and we sabi say Victor Osimhen na one of the best strikers for the world. Playing against dem for club level don dey tough,” the left-back yarn before the match. “The focus go dey on dem because of their quality. We dey ready to face dem, and we go try our best to contain dem.”
Zimbabwe head coach Michael Nees don urge im players make dem stay focused and strong for the upcoming game against Nigeria. Dem go play the qualifier for Godswill Akpabio International Stadium for Uyo on Tuesday evening. Nigeria just beat Rwanda 2-0 while Zimbabwe draw 2-2 with Benin Republic.
After Sunday training for Uyo, Nees don tell the Warriors to no fear Nigeria. “This go be one exciting match. We need to perform well, no doubt. Nigeria be tough opponents, but we too must bring our A-game,” Nees talk to media. “Make dem accept the challenge, the weather, the pace, and enjoy the game. No need to dey afraid of anything. We need to analyze our game and believe in ourselves.”
Ademola Lookman, wey dey play for Atalanta, talk say Super Eagles no dey feel pressure to beat Amavubi of Rwanda despite their winless run in the qualifiers. Lookman don return to the squad and dey focus on the task wey dey ahead. “No pressure, I dey happy to dey back with the guys. We get big task ahead, and we dey ready,” the star talk to OJB Sports. “We don discuss everything wey manager wan make we do—how we go defend and attack. E dey positive, and we all dey follow im ideas.”
Super Eagles captain William Troost-Ekong don dismiss any suggestion say Nigeria dey too dependent on Osimhen. Osimhen don score two goals to help Nigeria take victory over Rwanda in the qualifiers after e miss previous games. “When team dey perform well together, every individual go shine. We no dey rely on one player. Everybody for the team dey play their role,” Troost-Ekong talk for press conference ahead of Zimbabwe match. “We dey support each other, and when we do that, we dey achieve more.”
Benin Republic coach Gernot Rohr don predict say Zimbabwe go give Nigeria tough fight when dem meet for Uyo. Rohr know say the draw against Benin na okay result, but he believe say Zimbabwe go come strong. “This na dem last chance to qualify for World Cup. With this coach, I sabi say dem go put up strong performance,” Rohr talk after di match. Nigeria dey sit for fourth place for Group C, while Zimbabwe dey last for di group.
