Zimbabwe has revealed a 23-man squad for upcoming World Cup qualifiers against Benin and Nigeria, with a focus on revitalizing their campaign. Key players include Knowledge Musona, Marshall Munetsi, and Andy Rinomhota. Nigeria has also named its squad, featuring Victor Osimhen and William Troost-Ekong. Both teams require points, making the matches critical for their qualification hopes.
Zimbabwe has announced a 23-man squad for their crucial 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers against Benin and Nigeria, slated for later this month. Currently positioned at the bottom of Group C with two points from two matches, the Warriors are determined to revive their qualification hopes, starting with the match against Benin on March 20, followed by a clash with Nigeria five days later.
Head coach Michael Nees has reinstated former captain Knowledge Musona, along with several players from Europe and South Africa, to the squad. Musona, who currently plays for Al-Okhdood in Saudi Arabia, is a prominent player among the call-ups, supported by Marshall Munetsi from Wolverhampton Wanderers and Andy Rinomhota of Cardiff City in a strengthened midfield.
Other key players include Luton Town’s Marvelous Nakamba and Huddersfield Town’s Tawanda Chirewa. The defensive lineup features Jordan Zemura from Udinese, Munashe Garananga of FC Copenhagen, and Divine Lunga from Mamelodi Sundowns. The squad also includes goalkeepers Marley Tavaziva, Washington Arubi from Marumo Gallants, and Martin Mapisa from MWOS FC.
In terms of offensive options, Coach Nees has selected Prince Dube from Young Africans, Tawanda Maswanhise of Motherwell, and Terrence Dzvukamanja from Supersport United. Additional squad members encompass Gerald Takwara (Al Minaa SC), Isheanes Mauchi (Simba Bhora), and several others playing in Scotland.
The Warriors will host Benin at the Moses Mabhida Stadium in Durban, South Africa, before heading to Uyo, Nigeria for their encounter with the Super Eagles on March 25. Nigeria’s coach Eric Chelle has also disclosed his squad, which includes star players like Victor Osimhen, the reigning African Footballer of the Year, and Ademola Lookman from Atalanta, alongside captain William Troost-Ekong and several England-based players.
With Nigeria sitting fifth in Group C with three points and poised to play Rwanda beforehand, both teams need to secure vital points from these matches to enhance their chances of qualifying for the World Cup in 2026. These upcoming fixtures are critical for determining their respective pathways toward the prestigious tournament.
The announcement of both Zimbabwe and Nigeria’s squads for the upcoming World Cup qualifiers underscores the significance of these matches in shaping their qualification journeys. As Zimbabwe seeks to overcome their current position at the bottom of Group C, Nigeria will aim to capitalize on the opportunity to improve their standing. Both teams are in urgent need of points, making the upcoming fixtures crucial for their aspirations to reach the 2026 World Cup.
Original Source: soccernet.ng
