Zimbabwe have unveiled a strong Warriors squad for their upcoming Unity Cup semi-final showdown against Nigeria later this month in London, rekindling memories of the two draws they secured against the Super Eagles during the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers.
Those stalemates were among the setbacks that dented Nigeria’s qualification hopes for the Mundial. The Super Eagles, however, head into the tournament as defending champions of the Unity Cup, which will take place from May 26 to 30 and feature Nigeria, Zimbabwe, Jamaica, and India.
The Zimbabwe Football Association announced the squad on Thursday, with the list dominated by experienced players plying their trade across Europe and Africa. The Warriors will now be led by newly appointed head coach Kaitano Tembo, who is expected to guide the team in what promises to be another intense battle against the three-time African champions.
Zimbabwe are tipped to provide stiff competition for Nigeria, having already shown their resilience during the World Cup qualifying campaign where they held the Super Eagles to draws both at home and away.
According to the organisers, the Unity Cup is designed to foster football unity while strengthening sporting relationships among the participating nations through competitive international fixtures.
Meanwhile, Super Eagles head coach Eric Chelle recently disclosed that he may not have access to all his top stars for the tournament. The situation has prompted the Malian tactician to invite six players from the Nigeria Premier Football League to bolster his squad.
There was, however, positive news for Nigeria after midfielder Alex Iwobi, who had been sidelined with injury concerns, confirmed on Thursday that he would be fit and available for the competition.
Zimbabwe’s Squad for the Unity Cup
Goalkeepers:
Marley Tavaziva (Brentford, England), Future Sibanda (ZPC Kariba, Zimbabwe), Elvis Chipezeze (Magesi, South Africa).
Defenders:
Munashe Garananga (Hibernian FC, Scotland), Corbin Mthunzi (Ipswich Town, England), Shane Maroodza (FK Sarajevo, Bosnia), Gerald Takwara (Al-Ittihad Misurata, Libya), Jordan Zemura (Udinese, Italy), Divine Lunga (Mamelodi Sundowns, South Africa), Emmanuel Jalai (Durban City FC, South Africa), Sean Fusire (Sheffield Wednesday, England).
Midfielders:
Mongameli Tshuma (Highlanders, Zimbabwe), Marvelous Nakamba (Sheffield Wednesday, England), Aboubacar Moffat (Scottland, Zimbabwe), Jonah Fabisch (Erzgebirge Aue, Germany), Marshall Munetsi (Paris, France), Tawanda Chirewa (Barnsley FC, England).
Attackers:
Tawanda Maswanhise (Motherwell FC, Scotland), Prince Dube (Young Africans, Tanzania), Junior Zindoga (TS Galaxy, South Africa), Bill Antonio (KV Mechelen, Belgium), Daniel Msendami (Orlando Pirates, South Africa), Tino Kadewere (Aris Thessaloniki, Greece).
