Zimbabwe head coach Michael Nees has announced a 23-man squad for the Warriors’ upcoming 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifying matches against Benin Republic and Nigeria.
Udinese defender Jordan Zemura, Wolverhampton Wanderers midfielder Marshall Munetsi, and experienced forward Walter Musona are among the key names on the list.
Musona, who previously retired from international football in 2022, makes a surprise return to the squad.
However, captain Marvelous Nakamba has been left out due to injury.
Zimbabwe will first take on Benin Republic at the Moses Mabhida Stadium in Durban on Thursday, March 20, before traveling to Nigeria to face the Super Eagles at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium in Uyo on Tuesday, March 25.
The Warriors currently sit at the bottom of Group C with just two points from four matches and will need strong performances in both games to revive their qualification hopes.
Full 23-Man Squad:
Goalkeepers:
– Washington Arubi (Marumo Gallants)
– Marley Tavaziva (Brentford)
– Martin Mapisa (MWOS FC)
Defenders:
– Jordan Zemura (Udinese)
– Divine Lunga (Mamelodi Sundowns)
– Gerald Takwara (Al Minaa SC)
– Munashe Garananga (FC Copenhagen)
– Isheanesu Mauchi (Simba Bhora)
– Peter Muduhwa (Scotland)
– Godknows Murwira (Scotland)
– Emmanuel Jalai (Dynamos)
Midfielders:
– Marshall Munetsi (Wolverhampton Wanderers)
– Andy Rinomhota (Cardiff City)
– Mthokozisi Msebe (Scotland)
– Khama Billiat (Scotland)
– Knowledge Musona (Al-Okhdood)
– Tawanda Chirewa (Huddersfield Town)
Forwards:
– Prince Dube (Young Africans)
– Tawanda Maswanhise (Motherwell)
– Terrence Dzvukamanja (SuperSport)
– Tymon Machope (Scotland)
– Walter Musona (Scotland)
With Nigeria also in desperate need of points, the Super Eagles will be hoping to capitalize on home advantage when they host Zimbabwe in Uyo.
The upcoming fixtures are crucial for both teams. While Nigeria sits fifth in the group with three points, Zimbabwe’s position at the bottom means their qualification hopes are hanging by a thread.
A positive result against Benin Republic will be essential for Zimbabwe before heading to Uyo to face the Super Eagles, who are under pressure to deliver a victory in front of their home fans.
Anything less than a win could put both teams’ World Cup dreams in serious jeopardy.
