Unity Cup: Chelle on alert as Zimbabwe call-up Simon, Okoye’s teammates for battle with Super Eagles

The Super Eagles of Nigeria will return to action for the Unity Cup later this year, and their opponents are already announcing their squads for the competition, Soccernet.ng reports.

​Nigeria are the defending champions. And this year, their challengers are Zimbabwe, India, and Jamaica.

​However, they will only get to face the Zimbabwean Warriors and possibly the winner of the game between Jamaica and India.

Super Eagles during the AFCON match between Algeria and Nigeria
Super Eagles during the AFCON match between Algeria and Nigeria Copyright: IMAGOxshengolpixsx

​Ahead of the start of the Unity Cup on May 26, Kaitano Tembo, who was recently appointed as the coach of the Zimbabwean Warriors, has released his squad.

​Zimbabwe will take 26 players to the Unity Cup. And while they don't have superstars on the level of Nigeria, they have several players who already have existing relationships with players on the Super Eagles roster.

​Who Are The Players In Zimbabwe's Unity Cup Squad?

Zimbabwe during the 2025 AFCON qualifier match between Cameroon and Zimbabwe at Ahmadou Ahidjo Stadium on November 19, 2024 in Uyo, Nigeria
Zimbabwe during the 2025 AFCON qualifiers Copyright: ImagoxDIDIERxLEFAxPHOTOGRAPHYx

​Coach Kaitano Tembo has called up a list of 26 players for the 2026 Unity Cup. The most notable name on the list is Marshall Munetsi, who currently plays for Paris FC and is a teammate of Moses Simon.

​They also have Tawanda Chirewa, who plays for Barnsley on loan from Wolverhampton Wanderers, and former Aston Villa man Marvelous Nakamba.

​This team from Coach Tembo has just two home-based players, with most of the invitees based in Europe. This is a clear statement of intent from the Zimbabweans.

​Zimbabwean Unity Cup Full Squad

Goalkeepers

​Marley Tavaziva (Brentford),

Future Sibanda (ZPC Kariba),

Elvis Chipezeze (Magesi)

Defenders

​Jordan Zemura (Udinese),

Munashe Garananga (Hibernian),

Corbin Mthunzi (Ipswich Town),

Shane Maroodza (FK Sarajevo),

Gerald Takwara (Al-Ittihad Misurata),

Divine Lunga (Mamelodi Sundowns),

Emmanuel Jalai (Durban City),

Sean Fusire (Sheffield Wednesday)

Midfielders

​Marvelous Nakamba (Sheffield Wednesday),

Marshall Munetsi (Paris FC),

Mongameli Tshuma (Highlanders),

Aboubacar Moffat (Scottland FC),

Jonah Fabisch (Erzgebirge Aue),

Tawanda Chirewa (Barnsley)

Attackers

​Tino Kadewere (Aris Thessaloniki),

Tawanda Maswanhise (Motherwell),

Prince Dube (Young Africans),

Junior Zindoga (TS Galaxy),

Bill Antonio (KV Mechelen),

Daniel Msendami (Orlando Pirates)

​When Will Eric Chelle Announce His Super Eagles Squad For The Unity Cup?

Eric Chelle of Nigeria looks on during the Afcon, 3rd Place match between Nigeria and Egypt
Eric Chelle of Nigeria looks on. Copyright: Imagoxloulidiphotox

​As of now, Super Eagles coach Eric Chelle has not announced his Unity Cup squad. But according to sources close to the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), the squad list could be out this week.

​Chelle's list is expected to feature a significant number of greenhorns, as he revealed earlier that he would give opportunities to players who have not been in the fold before. The list will likely comprise Nigeria Professional Football League stars, players in the English EFL, and those in lesser-recognized European leagues.

​Nigeria will play their first game of the Unity Cup against Zimbabwe on May 26. If they win, they will play the final four days later.

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