Chelle Reveal Teams for Unity Cup, Friendlies

Super Eagles head coach Eric Chelle has revealed separate squads for the forthcoming Unity Cup tournament in London and Nigeria’s international friendly matches against Poland and Portugal scheduled for June.

Chelle retained experienced players such as captain Wilfred Ndidi, Francis Uzoho, Bruno Onyemaechi, Moses Simon, Akor Adams and Terem Moffi for the Unity Cup, while also giving opportunities to several new faces and home-based players.

Nigeria will face Zimbabwe in the semi-final of the Unity Cup at Charlton Athletic’s The Valley on May 26. The winner will progress to the final to meet either Jamaica or India, who will contest the other semi-final fixture.

Among the fresh invitees is Wrexham United goalkeeper Arthur Okonkwo, who recently switched his international allegiance from England to Nigeria.

Other newcomers include defenders Emmanuel Fernandez and Igoh Ogbu, midfielders Raphael Onyedika, Tochukwu Nnadi and Ebenezer Akinsanmiro, as well as striker Rafiu Durosinmi.

Several Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) players also earned invitations, including Michael Atata, Elias Ochobi, Chibueze Oputa, Obinna Igboke, Aderemi Adeoye, Ayobami Junior and Tosin Oyedokun.

Chelle Unveils Unity Cup, Friendly Squads Credit: The Guardian

For the high-profile friendly matches against Poland and Portugal, Chelle recalled several established internationals, including Alex Iwobi, Victor Osimhen, Ademola Lookman, Calvin Bassey, Frank Onyeka and Paul Onuachu.

The three-time African champions will take on Poland in Warsaw on June 3 before travelling to Leiria to face Portugal on June 10 as part of preparations for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations.

Nigeria has already been drawn alongside Madagascar, Tanzania and Guinea-Bissau in the AFCON qualification series.

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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