Zimbabwe’s coach Michael Nees has named a 23-man squad for upcoming World Cup qualifiers against Benin Republic and Nigeria. Notable inclusions are Jordan Zemura, Marshall Munetsi, and Walter Musona, who returns from retirement. Team captain Marvelous Nakamba is injured and does not participate. The Warriors are currently last in the group but remain hopeful.
Zimbabwe head coach Michael Nees has disclosed a 23-man squad for the Warriors’ 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers against Benin Republic and Nigeria. Notable inclusions are Udinese defender Jordan Zemura, Wolverhampton Wanderers midfielder Marshall Munetsi, and veteran forward Walter Musona, who returns to international duty after retiring in 2022. However, team captain Marvelous Nakamba misses out due to injury.
The Warriors’ first match is scheduled against Benin at the Moses Mabhida Stadium in Durban on Thursday, March 20. They will then face Nigeria at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium in Uyo on Tuesday, March 25. Currently, Zimbabwe sits last in Group C with only two points from four games, yet Nees remains optimistic about their qualification possibilities.
Nees emphasized the compact nature of the group, stating, “It’s a very tight group; there are still six games to go and 18 points to play for.” He expressed that no team can claim certainty about their standing, and underscored the importance of their competitive spirit.
In preparation for the match against Benin, Nees highlighted the tactical challenge posed by their coach, Gernot Rohr, a former Super Eagles manager. He remarked on Benin’s recent performances, noting, “Benin beat Nigeria, they played a draw against Nigeria, and they qualified for AFCON.” Nees acknowledges the friendship with Rohr but asserts, “friendship won’t play a role in these 90 minutes.”
The Warriors are determined to deliver strong performances in both matches to revitalize their World Cup qualification hopes.
Zimbabwe’s head coach Michael Nees has announced a 23-man squad for the crucial World Cup qualifiers against Benin and Nigeria. With key players included and captain Nakamba sidelined due to injury, the Warriors are ready to face tough competition. Nees’s optimism reflects the tight nature of the group, emphasizing the importance of their upcoming matches to restore their qualifying ambitions.
Original Source: businessday.ng
