By Korede James
Warriors of Zimbabwe defender Emmanuel Jalai has described himself as a capable defender who can deal with Super Eagles attackers in Uyo on Tuesday.
Zimbabwe will take on Nigeria’s Super Eagles in a 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifier at the Godswill Akpabio Stadium in Uyo on Tuesday.
Jalai will be looking forward to making his second appearance for coach Michael Nees’ side after earning his first cap in the 2-2 draw with Benin Republic last Thursday.
The next task for Jalai is how to contain a Super Eagles forward line that has the likes of Victor Osimhen, African Player of the Year Ademola Lookman, Moses Simon and others.
“It’s not about the size, it’s about how you impose yourselves in every task you face also it is to go with game intelligence and how you implement your attributes and how you impose your strength,” the 26-year-old said in an interview with the Zimbabwe Football Association (ZIFA).
“I’m fast and tough and that goes with the talent because you have to prepare yourself mentally and physically.”
Jalai admitted that the Super Eagles parade players with huge talent but the Warriors are not without their own quality.
“It’s not going to be an easy game but football is always different, football is full of surprises we have to do our best and give it our all against them,” he noted.
“They’ve got quality, also we have quality. So it will determine how we impose ourselves on the game.”
On his debut for his country, the Dynamos FC star added: “I have to thank the coach for giving me the opportunity. He is a man of his words. He is a coach who always gives us confidence.
“Before the game (against Benin Republic) he just told me to do my best, and I did what he told me to do.”
