Zimbabwe’s head coach Michael Nees has named a 23-man squad for the World Cup qualifiers against Benin and Nigeria. The lineup includes players like Jordan Zemura and Marshall Munetsi, while captain Marvelous Nakamba is injured. Despite residing at the bottom of Group C, Nees is optimistic about their chances. The Warriors aim for strong performances in the upcoming matches to enhance their qualification prospects.
Zimbabwe’s head coach Michael Nees has announced a 23-man squad for the upcoming 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers against Benin Republic and Nigeria. Notable inclusions are Udinese defender Jordan Zemura, Wolverhampton Wanderers midfielder Marshall Munetsi, and the experienced forward Walter Musona, who is making a surprising return to international football after retiring in 2022. Unfortunately, team captain Marvelous Nakamba has been left out due to injury.
The Warriors will face Benin at the Moses Mabhida Stadium in Durban on Thursday, March 20, followed by a match against Nigeria at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium in Uyo on Tuesday, March 25. Currently, Zimbabwe is at the bottom of Group C with only two points from four matches, yet Nees remains hopeful about the team’s qualification prospects.
Nees expressed optimism regarding the group dynamics, 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.”
Looking ahead, Nees acknowledged the formidable challenge posed by Benin’s manager Gernot Rohr, a former coach of Nigeria. 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.”
Zimbabwe aims to deliver impressive performances in both matches to reignite their World Cup qualification ambitions, hoping to turn their fortunes around in this crucial phase.
In conclusion, Zimbabwe’s national team faces a critical juncture in their World Cup qualifying campaign. Coach Michael Nees has assembled a capable squad despite the absence of captain Nakamba due to injury. The team is determined to compete fiercely against Benin and Nigeria, seeking to leverage their remaining opportunities to secure a spot in the prestigious tournament.
Original Source: businessday.ng
