Nigeria head coach Eric Chelle has excluded forwards Kelechi Iheanacho and Tolu Arokodare from his squad for the upcoming Unity Cup in London, as the Super Eagles continue a rebuilding process ahead of future international tournaments.
The decision comes despite renewed attention on Iheanacho after an impressive return to form with Celtic F.C., where the striker scored four goals in his last three matches for the Scottish champions. His recent performances had fuelled expectations that he would be recalled to the national side.
Instead, Chelle has continued to place emphasis on younger and emerging players as he reshapes the squad. The Franco-Malian coach has selected new attacking options including Plymouth Argyle F.C. forward Owen Oseni and Pisa Sporting Club striker Rafiu Durosinmi.
Arokodare was also left out despite recently featuring in the English top flight with Wolverhampton Wanderers F.C.
In attack, Chelle has instead placed his trust in Terem Moffi, who recently celebrated league title success in Portugal during a loan spell with FC Porto. Moffi is expected to spearhead Nigeria’s frontline at the Unity Cup, particularly in the absence of Victor Osimhen, who is unavailable for the competition.
Moffi missed Nigeria’s previous Africa Cup of Nations campaign after an extended period without regular football following his departure from OGC Nice amid reported tensions with sections of the club’s supporters.
One of the most notable selections in the squad is Oseni, whose inclusion has attracted attention following his performances this season. Sources close to the coaching staff said Chelle had been impressed by the forward’s pressing ability, movement, physical intensity and overall attacking contribution.
Durosinmi has also retained the confidence of the technical crew despite difficulties maintaining consistency since joining Pisa in January. The striker had previously been included in Nigeria’s provisional squad for the Africa Cup of Nations but failed to make the final selection.
Femi Azeez has also been included among Nigeria’s attacking options as Chelle seeks greater balance and depth in the Super Eagles squad.
The Unity Cup is expected to provide the coach with another opportunity to evaluate fringe players, home-based footballers and emerging talent as preparations continue for future major competitions.
Nigeria will open the defence of their Unity Cup title against Zimbabwe. Victory in that match could see the Super Eagles progress to a final against either India or Jamaica.
Chelle has repeatedly indicated that the tournament forms part of a broader assessment process aimed at building a more competitive national team for upcoming international events.
The squad announcement underlines the direction the coach is taking as he attempts to refresh the Super Eagles setup with players viewed as capable of contributing over the long term.
While the omission of established names such as Iheanacho is likely to generate debate among supporters, the selections suggest Chelle remains focused on experimentation and long-term planning rather than short-term reputation.
The Unity Cup will now provide several lesser-known players with an opportunity to impress on the international stage and strengthen their claims for future involvement with the national team.
