Zimbabwe’s head coach Michael Nees has named a 23-man squad for the team’s World Cup qualifiers against Benin and Nigeria. The squad includes notable players like Jordan Zemura and Marshall Munetsi, while team captain Marvelous Nakamba will miss the matches due to injury. Nees expresses optimism about their chances for qualification despite currently being last in Group C.
Zimbabwe head coach Michael Nees has announced a 23-man squad for the Warriors’ upcoming 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers against Benin Republic and Nigeria. Notable inclusions are Udinese defender Jordan Zemura and Wolverhampton Wanderers midfielder Marshall Munetsi, alongside experienced forward Walter Musona, who makes a surprising return to international play after retiring in 2022. However, team captain Marvelous Nakamba has been left out due to injury.
The Warriors will first tackle Benin at the Moses Mabhida Stadium in Durban on March 20, followed by a matchup against Nigeria at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium in Uyo on March 25. Currently, Zimbabwe occupies the last position in Group C with just two points from four matches, yet Coach Nees remains hopeful about their path to qualification.
Nees remarked, “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.” His perspective reflects a commitment to pushing for improvements over the remaining matches.
As they prepare for their encounter with Benin, Nees recognizes the tactical strength brought by Gernot Rohr, the former Super Eagles coach who now leads the Cheetahs. He stated, “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 World Cup qualification ambitions on the line, Zimbabwe is focused on delivering robust performances in both games to improve their standing and hopes for advancement in the qualifiers.
In summary, Zimbabwe head coach Michael Nees has selected a competitive squad for the critical 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers against Benin and Nigeria. Despite current challenges, Nees maintains a positive outlook regarding their potential to advance. The upcoming matches present significant opportunities for the Warriors, who aim to restore their qualification aspirations against skilled opponents led by tactical experts.
Original Source: businessday.ng
