Zimbabwe invite Liverpool, Leicester City, Udinese stars for Nigeria’s Super Eagles ahead of World Cup qualifiers

Zimbabwe head coach Baltemar Brito has named a provisional 28-member squad ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers against Nigeria and Rwanda later this month, Soccernet.ng reports. 

Zimbabwe will trade tackles with Rwanda at the Huye Stadium in Rwanda on November 15, and the same venue will serve as the home ground for the Warriors when they host Nigeria four days later.

For the two engagements, coach Brito has invited four goalkeepers, nine defenders, seven midfielders, and eight attackers.

Among the goalkeepers are Brentford City's Marley Tavaziva and Martin Mapisa, who plays for Spanish lower league side, FC Malaga City.

Udinese Calcio's Jordan Zemura and Reading's Tivonge Rushesha headline the defenders in the squad, while Liverpool youngster Isaac Mabaya and Stade Reims's Marshall Munetsi are among the prominent names in midfield.

In attack, Zimbabwe will rely on the talents of Olympique Lyon's Tino Kadewere and Leicester City's Tawanda Maswanhise, among others, to fire them to victory.

Brito pleased with Warriors' squad

The head of Zimbabwe's coaching crew, coach Brito has expressed his delight at the quality squad he has put together to help the country aim for their first-ever World Cup appearance.

“I’m happy with the team, and I’m happy with my decision to assemble this talented group of players that will represent Zimbabwe in the World Cup qualifiers.

“I did analysis on each one of them; they are exceptional players and are valuable assets to the team,” said the gaffer.

Do not respect Nigeria – Mhofu

Zimbabwe football legend Sunday “Mhofu” Chidzambwa has sent a message to the Warriors ahead of the World Cup qualifiers.

The 71-year-old former Zimbabwe international and coach charged the national team to show no respect to three-time African champions Nigeria and Rwanda when the teams meet on the pitch. 

“We must not respect them; we must play our own type of football, fight for ninety minutes, and achieve good results for the nation,” Mhofu said.

The Super Eagles have never lost a competitive match against Zimbabwe, winning four and drawing one of five meetings.

NFF yet to release squad list for qualifiers

Meanwhile, the Nigeria Football Federation has not made public the list of players that will represent the country during the qualifiers in November.

Head coach Jose Peseiro is battling with fitness issues concerning a few players, with Victor Osimhen, Wilfred Ndidi, Zaidu Sanusi, and Samuel Chukwueze doubtful for the games.

The 28-man squad

Goalkeepers

Donovan Bernard (Chicken Inn)
Washington Arubi (SuperSport United)
Martin Mapisa (FC Malaga City)
Marley Tavaziva (Brentford City)

Defenders

Tendayi Darikwa (AppolonLimassol)
Andrew Mbeba (Highlanders)
Peter Muduhwa (Highlanders)
Frank Makarati (Dynamos)
Teenage Hadebe (Houston Dynamo)
Munashe Garananga (Sheriff Tiraspol)
Brendan Galloway (Plymouth Argyle)
Jordan Zemura (Udinese Calcio)
Tivonge Rushesha (Reading)

Midfielders

Brian Banda (FC Platinum)
Marshall Munetsi (Stade Reims)
Andy Rinomhota (Cardiff City)
Marvellous Nakamba (Luton Town)
Gerald Takwara (Ohod Club)
Isaac Mabaya (Liverpool)
Tanaka Shandirwa (Dynamos)

Forwards

Obriel Chirinda (Bulawayo Chiefs)
Prince Dube (Azam)
Tino Kadewere (Olympique Lyon)
Admiral Muskwe (Exeter City)
Walter Musona (FC Platinum)
Terrence Dzvukamanja (SuperSport United)
Leon Chiwome (Wolverhampton Wanderers)
Tawanda Maswanhise (Leicester City)