Zimbabwe midfielder Andy Rinomhota has expressed confidence that his team can cause an upset against Nigeria's Super Eagles when both sides meet on Tuesday in a 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifier in Uyo.
Despite sitting at the bottom of Group C with just three points from five matches, the Warriors are determined to secure their first win in the qualifiers.
They arrived in Nigeria on Saturday and have been training under the hot weather conditions as they prepare for the crucial encounter.
The last meeting between the two sides ended in a 1-1 draw in Butare, Rwanda last November, with Walter Musona giving Zimbabwe the lead before Kelechi Iheanacho equalized for the Super Eagles.
However, the Warriors are hoping to go one step further this time.
‘We respect Super Eagles, but not too much' – Rinomhota
Rinomhota, who plays for Cardiff City, acknowledged Nigeria’s quality but insisted that Zimbabwe will not sit back.
“This time, we want to go a step further. We respect Nigeria, but not too much,” he told the Herald.
“We’ll try to impose ourselves. We’ve come here to get a result and keep pushing towards our goal.” he said.
With the match set to take place under humid conditions in Uyo, Rinomhota admitted that the weather is a factor, but he believes his team is adapting well.
“I think it’s going to be quite warm and humid. We’re preparing ourselves, even though the game is later.
“We had similar conditions against Cameroon last year in the AFCON qualifiers. We’re trying to start the game well. Everyone is focused on acclimatising fully. The conditions are definitely on everyone’s mind.” the midfielder added.
