Zimbabwe will be looking for their first ever win over Nigeria at senior level when both teams clash on the 19th of November in the race to be at the 2026 World Cup, OwnGoalNigeria.com reports.
Nigeria will open their campaign against Lesotho before the trip to Rwanda, the adopted home ground of Zimbabwe for the game, and they will he hoping they keep their impressive record against their host intact.
The Super Eagles have never lost a competitive match against Zimbabwe, winning four and drawing one of five meetings.
Ahead of the game, the coach of the senior national team of Zimbabwe Baltemar Brito called up 28 players and it includes a first time call up for 19 year old Liverpool defender Isaac Mabaya.
The versatile former England youth teamer caught the eye during a number of appearances with Jürgen Klopp’s first team in their 2022 summer pre-season schedule, where he was involved during the Asia tour and training camp in Austria.
He was employed mostly as an attacking option from right-back, although he can also play in midfield. A ten month injury lay off denied him the chance of a first team bow, but he is back playing now and has so far played three games for the U21s as he continues to work his way back to full fitness.
Born in England to parents with Zimbabwean roots, Mabaya played for England at U15, U16, U18 and U19 before deciding to switch his nationality to Zimbabwe at the start of this year.
The game against Super Eagles will be his first involvement with the team since his nationality switch by FIFA was approved.
Mohammed Mowiz Suleiman
