Zimbabwe has announced a 23-man squad for upcoming World Cup qualifiers against Benin and Nigeria, including veteran player Knowledge Musona. They aim to improve their position in Group C, while Nigeria, led by stars like Victor Osimhen, looks to recover from a slow start and secure vital points. The matches are key for both teams’ aspirations for the 2026 World Cup.
Zimbabwe’s national football team has announced a 23-man squad for their pivotal 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifying matches against Benin and Nigeria. As reported by Soccernet.ng, the Warriors currently occupy the last position in Group C, having acquired just two points from their first two games. Their efforts to rejuvenate their qualification hopes will commence against Benin on March 20, followed by a critical showdown with Nigeria on March 25.
The squad sees the return of former captain Knowledge Musona, who currently plays for Al-Okhdood in Saudi Arabia. Also included are Marshall Munetsi from Wolverhampton Wanderers and Cardiff City’s Andy Rinomhota, enhancing the midfield options for head coach Michael Nees. Other notable inclusions are Luton Town’s Marvelous Nakamba and Tawanda Chirewa from Huddersfield Town.
Defensively, Zimbabwe’s lineup showcases Udinese’s Jordan Zemura, Munashe Garananga from FC Copenhagen, and Divine Lunga of Mamelodi Sundowns. The goalkeeping duties will be entrusted to Marley Tavaziva, Washington Arubi from Marumo Gallants, and Martin Mapisa of MWOS FC. In the attack, Nees has selected Prince Dube from Young Africans and Tawanda Maswanhise from Motherwell, along with Terrence Dzvukamanja from Supersport United.
The complete squad also features Gerald Takwara (Al Minaa SC), Isheanes Mauchi (Simba Bhora), Peter Muduhwa, Godknows Murwira, Emmanuel Jalai, Mihood, and Tymon Machope – all playing leagues in Scotland. The Warriors will face Benin at the Moses Mabhida Stadium in Durban before heading to Nigeria for the crucial encounter at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium.
Meanwhile, Nigeria’s coach Eric Chelle has also announced his squad, which includes Victor Osimhen, the reigning African Footballer of the Year, and Atalanta’s Ademola Lookman leading the forward line. Key players such as captain William Troost-Ekong, Alex Iwobi, Calvin Bassey, Ola Aina, and Wilfred Ndidi are also part of the Super Eagles. Having secured only three points, the Eagles aim to revive their campaign by first facing Rwanda before the Zimbabwe match. The upcoming fixtures are critical, as both teams seek crucial points to strengthen their World Cup aspirations.
As Zimbabwe prepares for crucial World Cup qualifiers against Benin and Nigeria, the selection of key players, including veteran Knowledge Musona, highlights their strategic approach to improve their standings. Meanwhile, Nigeria is equally focused on reclaiming momentum in their qualification drive. The forthcoming matches are set to be vital in determining both teams’ paths toward the 2026 World Cup.
Original Source: soccernet.ng
