Zimbabwe’s Nakamba chosen to lead team against Eagles

Zimbabwe, the World Cup group opponents of Nigeria in 2026, have released a provisional squad consisting of 28 players for their upcoming Group C qualifying matches against Rwanda and the Super Eagles later this month, according to PUNCH Sports Extra.

The announcement of the squad was made via the Zimbabwe Football Association’s X handle on Wednesday.

The Warriors will face Rwanda on November 15 at the Huye Stadium in Kigali, followed by a match against Nigeria at the same venue four days later.

Some of the invited players include Jordan Zemura, Marley Tavaziva, Tawanda Maswanhise, Isaac Mabaya, Marvellous Nakamba, Tinotenda Kadewere, and Andy Rinomhota.

The rest of the squad consists of Donovan Bernard, Washington Arubi, Martin Mapisa, Tendayi Darikwa, Andrew Mbeba, Peter Muhuhwa, Frank Makarati, Teenage Hadebe, Brendan Galloway, and Tivonge Rushesha.

Completing the list are Brian Banda, Marshal Munetsi, Andy Rinomhota, Gerald Takwara, Tanaka Shandirwa, Obriel Chirinda, Prince Dube, Admiral Muskwe, Walter Musona, Terrence Dzvukamanja, and Leon Chiwome.

The last encounter between Zimbabwe and Nigeria was an international friendly game in Asaba, Delta State in 2019, which ended with a goalless draw.

Each team will play two out of their 10 matches in the campaign during the FIFA window this November, with the remaining eight games scheduled for 2024 and 2025.

The top four second-placed teams in the nine groups will participate in a mini-tournament, and the winners will have a chance to compete for a playoff spot for another slot at the 2026 World Cup, which will be co-hosted by the USA, Mexico, and Canada.

Nigeria, who missed out on the previous edition of the World Cup last year, have reached the Round of 16 in the competition on three occasions.