Nigeria: Zimbabwe call up Udinese, Wolves, Cardiff City stars for Super Eagles clash

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High Chief
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Zimbabwe have unveiled a 23-man squad for their crucial 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers against Benin and Nigeria later this month, 9JaUpDate247 reports. 

The Warriors, who have never qualified for a World Cup, currently sit bottom of Group C with two points from two games.

Their campaign resumes against Benin on March 20 before they take on Nigeria five days later, aiming to revive their qualification hopes.

Head coach Michael Nees has recalled former captain Knowledge Musona, while several players based in Europe and South Africa have also made the squad.

Nigeria Super Eagles vs Zimbabwe. Photo by IMAGO
Nigeria Super Eagles vs Zimbabwe. Photo by IMAGO

Musona returns as Zimbabwe call up stars from England, Italy, and South Africa

Veteran forward Musona, currently playing for Saudi club Al-Okhdood, headlines the list, while Marshall Munetsi of Premier League side Wolverhampton Wanderers and Cardiff City’s Andy Rinomhota strengthen the midfield.

Luton Town’s Marvelous Nakamba also makes the squad, alongside Huddersfield Town’s Tawanda Chirewa.

Zimbabwe national team ahead of first leg vs Nigeria. Photo by IMAGO
Zimbabwe national team ahead of first leg vs Nigeria. Photo by IMAGO

Zimbabwe’s defence features Udinese left-back Jordan Zemura, FC Copenhagen’s Munashe Garananga, and Divine Lunga of Mamelodi Sundowns. Brentford youngster Marley Tavaziva joins Washington Arubi (Marumo Gallants) and Martin Mapisa (MWOS FC) as the goalkeeping options.

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In attack, Warriors boss Nees has named Young Africans’ Prince Dube, Motherwell’s Tawanda Maswanhise, and Supersport United’s Terrence Dzvukamanja.

The full squad also includes: Gerald Takwara (Al Minaa SC), Isheanes Mauchi (Simba Bhora), Peter Muduhwa (Scotland), Godknows Murwira (Scotland), Emmanuel Jalai (Dynamos), Mihood, and Tymon Machope (Scotland).

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Warriors set for Benin and Nigeria tests

Zimbabwe will face Benin at the Moses Mabhida Stadium in Durban, South Africa, before travelling to Uyo, Nigeria, for their clash with the Super Eagles at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium on March 25.

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Nigeria Super Eagles. Photo by IMAGO
Nigeria Super Eagles. Photo by IMAGO

Meanwhile, Nigeria boss Eric Chelle has also named his squad, with reigning African Footballer of the Year Victor Osimhen and Atalanta’s Ademola Lookman leading the attack.

Captain William Troost-Ekong is included, along with England-based stars Alex Iwobi, Calvin Bassey, Ola Aina, and Wilfred Ndidi.

Nigeria Super Eagles World Cup qualifiers squad. Image Credit: 9JaUpDate247
Nigeria Super Eagles World Cup qualifiers squad. Image Credit: 9JaUpDate247

The Super Eagles, who sit fifth in Group C with three points, will play Rwanda before meeting Zimbabwe as they look to get their qualification campaign back on track.

With both teams in desperate need of points, the upcoming fixtures could prove decisive in shaping the road to the 2026 World Cup.

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