2026 World Cup: Nakamba to lead Zimbabwe against Eagles

Nigeria’s 2026 World Cup group opponents, Zimbabwe, have announced a 28-man provisional squad ahead of their Group C qualifying games against Rwanda and the Super Eagles later this month.

The squad was announced on the Zimbabwe Football Association’s X handle on Wednesday.

The Warriors will take on Rwanda November 15 at the Huye Stadium in Kigali, before hosting Nigeria at the same venue four days later.

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

Other players are Donovan Bernard, Washington Arubi, Martin Mapisa, Tendayi Darikwa, Andrew Mbeba, Peter Muhuhwa, Frank Makarati, Teenage Hadebe, Brendan Galloway and Tivonge Rushesha.

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

The last time Zimbabwe faced Nigeria was in an international friendly game in Asaba, Delta State in 2019, which ended goalless.

Each of the teams will play two of their 10 matches in the campaign in the FIFA window of November this year, with the other eight games to be spread between 2024 and 2025.

The best four second-placed teams in the nine groups will then contest a mini-tournament, with the winners eligible for a playoff spot for another slot at the 2026 World Cup to be co-hosted by USA, Mexico and Canada.

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