Zimbabwe’s coach Michael Nees has announced a 23-man squad for upcoming World Cup qualifiers against Nigeria and Benin. Key players include Jordan Zemura and Marshall Munetsi, while captain Marvelous Nakamba is sidelined due to injury. Despite being at the bottom of Group C, Nees is optimistic about their chances. Upcoming matches are crucial for their qualification hopes.
Michael Nees, the head coach of Zimbabwe, has announced a 23-man squad for the Warriors’ upcoming 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers against Nigeria and Benin Republic this month. Notable inclusions are Udinese defender Jordan Zemura, Wolverhampton Wanderers midfielder Marshall Munetsi, and veteran forward Walter Musona, making a surprising return after his retirement in 2022. However, team captain Marvelous Nakamba will not participate due to an injury.
The Warriors will face Benin at the Moses Mabhida Stadium in Durban on March 20 and subsequently travel to Nigeria for a match against the Super Eagles at Godswill Akpabio International Stadium in Uyo on March 25. Presently, Zimbabwe occupies the last place in Group C, having earned only two points from four matches, but Coach Nees remains hopeful about their chances for qualification.
Nees expressed optimism regarding the qualification campaign, stating, “It’s a very tight group; there are still six games to go and 18 points to play for. The group is not decided yet for any team. The team in first place can easily drop. We have to rise up, compete until the final game, and ensure fair competition.”
In preparation for the important match against Benin, Nees highlighted the tactical expertise of Gernot Rohr, the former Super Eagles coach who now leads the Benin team. He remarked, “Benin beat Nigeria, they played a draw against Nigeria, and they qualified for AFCON. They have an experienced coach, Gernot Rohr, whom I have known for 30 years. We are close friends, but friendship won’t play a role in these 90 minutes.”
With their sights set on performance improvement, Zimbabwe aims to enhance their World Cup qualification prospects in both contests against Benin and Nigeria, seeking a resurgence in their campaign.
In summary, Zimbabwe’s head coach Michael Nees has assembled a competitive squad for the World Cup qualifiers against Nigeria and Benin. Despite facing a challenging position in their group, Nees remains optimistic about their chances, emphasizing the need for determination in upcoming matches. With a blend of returning talent and an understanding of the opponent’s strength, Zimbabwe aims to revitalize their World Cup qualifying journey.
Original Source: businessday.ng
