Game-On Reporter
WHILE there has been massive excitement within the Zimbabwean football fraternity, ahead of the Unity Cup clash against Nigeria, it has turned out that the African giants have chosen to field a weaker side against the Warriors.
Super Eagles big hitters Victor Osimhen (Galatasaray) and Ademola Lookman (Atletico Madrid) are not part of the squad that will play Zimbabwe in the Unity Cup semifinal at the Valley Stadium in London on May 26.
Fulham utility player Alex Iwobi is also not part of a weak Nigerian side.
There is also no place for Frank Onyeka (Coventry), Raphael Onyendika (Club Brugge) and Calvin Bassey (Fulham), who featured prominently when Nigeria reached the semifinals at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations finals held in Morocco.
Instead, Nigeria coach Eric Chelle has opted to reserve his best players for the two pre-World Cup friendlies against Portugal and Poland in June.
However, according to The Guardian of Nigeria, the Unity Cup has been listed by the Football Federation as one of the events Chelle can use to rebuild the Super Eagles who failed to qualify for the 2026 World Cup which kicks off in Mexico on June 11.
There has been anticipation amongst Zimbabwean football fans ahead of this game against Nigeria as many expected the Super Eagles to field a strong squad.
The Warriors would have wanted to square up against a full strength Nigeria squad as they are also adjusting to a new era, following the departure of coach Marian Marinica.
Former Dynamos and SuperSport United defender, Kaitano Tembo, is now in charge of the Warriors on an acting capacity.
Tembo will be assisted by CAPS United coach, Takesure Chiragwi.
The Warriors had named a full strength squad including most players based in Europe but there have been withdrawals due to varying reasons.
Left back Divine Lunga has an assignment with Mamelodi Sundowns who play AS FAR of Morocco in the Champions League final return leg this weekend.
Belgium based winger Bill Antonio has withdrawn due to personal reasons while another injury has ruled out Greece based striker Tino Kadewere.
Washington Navaya (Hardrock), Prosper Padera (SJK Seinajoki) and Isheanesu Mauchi (TS Galaxy) have been called up as replacements.
Tal centre back Mauchi could be one of the defenders that could face Nigeria’s rising striker Akor Adams who turns out for La Liga side Sevilla.
Adams featured for Nigeria in the 2025 AFCON semifinal match against hosts Morocco.
Besikitas central midfielder Wilfred Ndidi is also part of the Super Eagles squad.
The winner of the match between Zimbabwe and Nigeria will face either India or Jamaica who clash in the other semifinal.
