Zimbabwe interim coach Kaitano Tembo says his side is ready to face Nigeria in the Unity Cup semi-final at The Valley in London on Tuesday night.
The match kicks off at 7:30 p.m. BST on May 26, 2026, with the Warriors making their debut against the champions. Head coach Eric Chelle leads the Super Eagles. Tembo admitted Zimbabwe faced logistical difficulties, with several players only joining the Birmingham camp hours before the game.
"I think the preparations have been going well, although we haven't had a full complement of all the players with the rest of the players joining in today," Tembo said, as quoted by NewsDay. He said he was encouraged by the squad's mentality.
"Looking forward to the game, we can only promise to go out there and give our best, play some good, entertaining football, and we hope our fans will come and support us. If that is all done, then hopefully we will make them proud," he added, as quoted by NewsDay.
Tembo said Zimbabwe's recent draws with Nigeria offer some confidence but should not shape Tuesday's approach. "Yes, obviously to some extent," he said, "but what's important is for us to approach every game as it comes, one game at a time.
This is a different game, a different scenario." Nigeria is without Victor Osimhen, Ademola Lookman, and Samuel Chukwueze, with Chelle set to hand a debut to goalkeeper Arthur Okonkwo. The winner will meet either Jamaica or India in the final on May 30.