Zimbabwe’s head coach Michael Nees has selected a 23-man squad for the World Cup qualifiers against Nigeria and Benin, featuring notable players such as Jordan Zemura and Marshall Munetsi. Captain Marvelous Nakamba is absent due to injury. The team, currently at the bottom of Group C, aims to improve their standing in upcoming matches, emphasizing the importance of competitive spirit in a tightly contested group.
Michael Nees, the head coach of the Zimbabwe national football team, has announced a 23-man squad for the upcoming 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers against Nigeria and Benin Republic. This squad includes Udinese defender Jordan Zemura, Wolverhampton Wanderers’ midfielder Marshall Munetsi, and returning forward Walter Musona, who had previously retired in 2022. Notably, captain Marvelous Nakamba has been excluded from the roster due to injury.
The Zimbabwe Warriors will first compete against Benin on March 20 at the Moses Mabhida Stadium in Durban, before facing the Nigerian team, known as the Super Eagles, on March 25 at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium in Uyo. Currently, Zimbabwe occupies the last position in Group C, accumulating only two points from four matches; however, Coach Nees remains hopeful about their chances for qualification.
Nees expressed his thoughts on the group’s competitiveness, stating, “It’s a very tight group; there are still six games to go and 18 points to play for… The team in first place can easily drop. We have to rise up, compete until the final game, and ensure fair competition.” He emphasizes that the outcome is still uncertain for all teams in the group.
Anticipating the upcoming match against Benin, Nees noted the tactical prowess of their opponent, managed by former Super Eagles coach Gernot Rohr. He remarked, “Benin beat Nigeria, they played a draw against Nigeria, and they qualified for AFCON. They have an experienced coach, Gernot Rohr… but friendship won’t play a role in these 90 minutes.” Zimbabwe seeks to deliver powerful performances in both fixtures to enhance their World Cup qualification aspirations.
In summary, Zimbabwe’s national team prepares for crucial World Cup qualifiers against Benin and Nigeria, revealing a hopeful yet challenging perspective from Coach Michael Nees. Despite currently sitting at the bottom of their group, Nees’s emphasis on competitive spirit and tactics underlines their ambition to revive their qualification journey. The return of experienced players further invigorates their campaign as they look to overcome significant challenges in these vital matches.
Original Source: businessday.ng
