Super Eagles head coach Eric Chelle has announced two separate squads for Nigeria’s upcoming 2026 Unity Cup campaign and a set of international friendly matches against Poland and Portugal, as the team intensifies preparations for future competitive engagements.
Chelle released a 27-man squad for the Unity Cup mini-tournament, scheduled to take place at The Valley, home of Charlton Athletic, between May 26 and May 30.
Nigeria will begin its title defence on Tuesday, May 26, against the Warriors of Zimbabwe.
The winner of that fixture will progress to the final to face either Jamaica or India.
The squad features a blend of experienced internationals and emerging talents. Key names include captain Wilfred Ndidi, goalkeeper Francis Uzoho, defenders Bruno Onyemaechi and Igoh Ogbu, as well as forwards Moses Simon, Akor Adams, and Terem Moffi.
Chelle also handed first-time invitations to several players, including goalkeeper Arthur Okonkwo, defender Emmanuel Fernandez, and midfielders Raphael Onyedika, Tochukwu Nnadi, and Ebenezer Akinsanmiro. Forward Rafiu Durosinmi also earns his maiden call-up to the senior national team.
Home-based players were equally included, with Michael Atata, Elias Ochobi, Chibueze Oputa, Obinna Igboke, Aderemi Adeoye, Ayobami Junior, and Tosin Oyedokun all making the cut.
European Friendlies Against Poland and Portugal
For the high-profile friendly matches in Europe, Chelle named a 24-man squad led by some of Nigeria’s biggest stars, including Victor Osimhen, Ademola Lookman, Alex Iwobi, Calvin Bassey, and Paul Onuachu.
It is worth noting that Osimhen currently features for Galatasaray, where he continues to maintain strong form at club level.
Nigeria will face Poland on June 3 at the PGE Narodowy Stadium in Warsaw before travelling to Leiria to take on Portugal on June 10 at the Estádio Dr. Magalhães Pessoa.
AFCON Qualifiers on the Horizon
The Super Eagles are also gearing up for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying series, where they have been drawn in a group alongside Madagascar, Tanzania, and Guinea-Bissau.
With a mix of established stars, rising prospects, and home-based talents, Chelle’s squad selections underline Nigeria’s intent to build depth and competitiveness ahead of a busy international calendar.
Unity Cup squad
Goalkeepers:
Francis Uzoho, Arthur Okonkwo, Michael Atata
Defenders:
Bruno Onyemaechi, Emmanuel Fernandez, Chibuike Nwaiwu, Igoh Ogbu, Obinna Igboke, Elias Ochobi, Chibueze Oputa
Midfielders:
Wilfred Ndidi, Raphael Onyedika, Tochukwu Nnadi, Ebenezer Akinsanmiro, Alhassan Yusuf, Aderemi Adeoye, Samson Tijani, Ayobami Junior, Tosin Oyedokun
Forwards:
Moses Simon, Akor Adams, Philip Otele, Owen Oseni, Zadok Abu Yohanna, Terem Moffi, Rafiu Durosinmi, Femi Azeez
Squad for Poland and Portugal friendlies
Goalkeepers:
Maduka Okoye, Arthur Okonkwo, Francis Uzoho
Defenders:
Semi Ajayi, Calvin Bassey, Bright Osayi-Samuel, Bruno Onyemaechi, Zaidu Sanusi, Igoh Ogbu, Emmanuel Fernandez
Midfielders:
Alex Iwobi, Frank Onyeka, Wilfred Ndidi, Raphael Onyedika, Fisayo Dele-Bashiru, Tochukwu Nnadi, Alhassan Yusuf
Forwards:
Ademola Lookman, Samuel Chukwueze, Moses Simon, Paul Onuachu, Akor Adams, Victor Osimhen, Terem Moffi.
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