Zimbabwe’s captain Marvelous Nakamba is sidelined due to injury ahead of World Cup qualifiers against Nigeria and Benin. Coach Michael Nees has replaced him with Richard Hachiro. The team prepares for crucial matches with hopes to improve their standings in Group C.

Zimbabwe’s preparations for the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers against Nigeria and Benin have faced a significant setback with the ruling out of captain Marvelous Nakamba due to injury. Head coach Michael Nees has opted to replace Nakamba with Richard Hachiro, who was initially on the standby list. The absence of Nakamba is particularly impactful given his pivotal role as a leader and his experience on and off the field.

In response to Nakamba’s withdrawal, Hachiro joins a squad of home-based players, including goalkeeper Martin Mapisa, Emmanuel Jalai, and Isheanesu Mauchi, who left for South Africa on Sunday. The team is further reinforced by six Scotland-based players, among them Khama Billiat, Walter Musona, and Godknows Murwira. The first group of 10 home-based players has already arrived in Durban.

Nees has organized a three-day training camp leading up to their match against Benin at Moses Mabhida Stadium on Thursday. Following that, the Warriors will travel to Uyo to face Nigeria on March 25. Currently, Zimbabwe is at the bottom of Group C with only two points, while Nigeria sits slightly ahead in fifth with three points. Super Eagles head coach Eric Chelle is poised to capitalize on Zimbabwe’s challenges during these qualifiers.

The absence of Zimbabwe’s captain Marvelous Nakamba due to injury poses a major challenge for the team’s World Cup qualifying efforts. Richard Hachiro has been called up to replace him, joining a mix of home-based and foreign players for the upcoming matches. With aims to improve their standing in the qualifiers, Zimbabwe prepares for critical matches against Benin and Nigeria, who are also looking for their first win.

Original Source: www.brila.net