Wolves, Brentford, Luton, Huddersfield stars named in Zimbabwe squad for WCQ v Nigeria

Zimbabwe has named a strong 23-man squad for their upcoming 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers against Nigeria, with players from top clubs, including Wolverhampton Wanderers, Brentford, Cardiff City, Luton Town, Huddersfield Town, and Mamelodi Sundowns, making the cut.

The Warriors are set to face Nigeria in Uyo on March 25, following a crucial match against Benin on March 20 in Durban. 

With the return of veteran striker Knowledge Musona, the squad looks to secure vital points in their quest for World Cup qualification.

Head coach Michael Nees has selected a well-balanced team featuring a mix of seasoned internationals and rising talents. 

Among the notable inclusions are players from some of the top European and African clubs, including Brentford's Marley Tavaziva, Wolves' Marshall Munetsi, Cardiff City's Andy Rinomhota, Luton Town's Marvelous Nakamba, Huddersfield Town's Tawanda Chirewa, and Mamelodi Sundowns' Divine Lunga. 

These players bring valuable experience to the squad, which will be vital in the challenging qualifiers.

Musona, who made a dramatic return to the Warriors after announcing his retirement in 2022, is expected to play a leadership role alongside Nakamba, despite the latter's injury ruling him out of the squad. 

Musona’s vast experience, having scored 24 goals in 51 appearances for Zimbabwe, is seen as an essential asset for the Warriors’ chances in these two crucial matches. 

He will provide the attacking firepower needed to break down tough defenses and guide the team through the high-pressure encounters.

The squad also boasts solid defensive options, with players like Mamelodi Sundowns’ Divine Lunga and Cardiff City's Andy Rinomhota providing stability at the back. 

Lunga's experience in South Africa’s Premier Soccer League (PSL) and Rinomhota's presence in the English Championship will be crucial in securing a strong defensive setup against Nigeria’s potent attack.

The goalkeeping department will be equally strong, with Washington Arubi (Marumo Gallants), Marley Tavaziva (Brentford), and Martin Mapisa (MWOS FC) all named in the squad. 

Arubi, a seasoned goalkeeper, brings a wealth of experience, while Tavaziva and Mapisa are both rising talents expected to provide excellent backup.

Forwards Prince Dube (Young Africans), Terrence Dzvukamanja (SuperSport United), and Tawanda Maswanhise (Motherwell) will be tasked with scoring the goals to help Zimbabwe compete against Nigeria, one of Africa's football giants. 

Their performance will be key to unlocking the Nigerian defense and securing valuable points in the quest for a spot in the 2026 World Cup.

The excitement surrounding the squad is palpable, with fans eager to see Musona back on the field, leading the Warriors in what promises to be an intense battle for supremacy in Group D. 

As Zimbabwe faces one of its toughest challenges yet, the combination of international experience and homegrown talent gives the Warriors a strong chance of making a significant impact in the qualifiers. 

The Warriors’ journey to the 2026 FIFA World Cup will continue with these vital fixtures, and all eyes will be on the squad as they take on Benin and Nigeria.

The Warriors’ first match against Benin will take place on March 20 at 6 p.m. in Durban.

The Zimbabwe national team’s squad for the World Cup qualifiers includes:

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 (Scottland), Godknows Murwira (Scottland), Emmanuel Jalai (Dynamos)

Midfielders: Marshall Munetsi (Wolves), Andy Rinomhota (Cardiff City), Marvelous Nakamba (Luton Town), Knowledge Musona (Al-Okhdood), Mthokozisi Msebe (Scottland), Khama Billiat (Scottland), Tawanda Chirewa (Huddersfield Town)

Forwards: Prince Dube (Young Africans), Tawanda Maswanhise (Motherwell), Terrence Dzvukamanja (SuperSport United), Tymon Machope (Scottland), Walter Musona (Scottland)

Wale Adejumo

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