Nigeria’s preparations for the upcoming Unity Cup have moved into focus after Zimbabwe became the first of the competing nations to unveil their squad for the tournament later this month.
The Super Eagles are set to defend the title they won previously when the competition begins on 26 May. Nigeria will open their campaign against Zimbabwe, while Jamaica and India face each other in the other fixture. The winners of the two matches will progress to the final four days later.
Zimbabwe coach Kaitano Tembo has now confirmed a 26-man squad for the competition, offering an early glimpse of the challenge awaiting Nigeria in their opening match.
Tembo, who was recently appointed head coach of the Warriors, has selected a squad dominated by players based outside Zimbabwe, with only two home-based footballers included. The decision is being viewed as a sign of the country’s determination to make an impact at the tournament.
Among the standout names in the squad is midfielder Marshall Munetsi, currently playing for Paris FC. Munetsi is already familiar with one of Nigeria’s leading players, Moses Simon, through club football connections.
Zimbabwe have also included Tawanda Chirewa, who is currently at Barnsley on loan from Wolverhampton Wanderers, and experienced midfielder Marvelous Nakamba, formerly of Aston Villa and now with Sheffield Wednesday.
The squad also features several players from clubs across Europe and southern Africa, underlining the international experience available to Tembo ahead of his first major assignment with the national team.
Goalkeepers selected include Marley Tavaziva of Brentford, Future Sibanda from ZPC Kariba, and Elvis Chipezeze of Magesi.
In defence, Zimbabwe have called up Jordan Zemura of Udinese, Munashe Garananga from Hibernian, Corbin Mthunzi of Ipswich Town, Shane Maroodza from FK Sarajevo, Gerald Takwara of Al-Ittihad Misurata, Divine Lunga from Mamelodi Sundowns, Emmanuel Jalai of Durban City, and Sean Fusire of Sheffield Wednesday.
The midfield options include Nakamba, Munetsi, Mongameli Tshuma, Aboubacar Moffat, Jonah Fabisch, and Chirewa.
In attack, Tembo has selected Tino Kadewere of Aris Thessaloniki, Tawanda Maswanhise from Motherwell, Prince Dube of Young Africans, Junior Zindoga of TS Galaxy, Bill Antonio from KV Mechelen, and Daniel Msendami of Orlando Pirates.
While Zimbabwe have already finalised their selection, Nigeria coach Eric Chelle has yet to announce his own squad for the Unity Cup.
However, sources close to the Nigeria Football Federation have indicated that the list could be released this week as preparations continue for the competition.
Chelle is expected to use the tournament to assess several less experienced players, having previously stated that he intends to provide opportunities for footballers who have not been regular members of the national team setup.
The anticipated squad is likely to contain players from the Nigeria Professional Football League, as well as footballers competing in the English Football League and in smaller European competitions.
Nigeria will begin their title defence against Zimbabwe on 26 May, with victory securing a place in the final scheduled for four days later.
