The Super Eagles of Nigeria have begun preparations for the 2026 Unity Cup, with 14 players arriving at the team’s training camp in London ahead of the tournament later this month.
The competition is scheduled to run from 26 to 30 May, with Nigeria entering the tournament as defending champions.
Among the first group of players to report to camp are all eight Nigeria Premier Football League players selected by head coach Eric Chelle.
The early arrivals include Shooting Stars pair Tijani Al Ameen and Ayobami Junior, along with Ikorodu City trio Michael Atata, Aderemi Adeoye and Tosin Oyedokun.
Also present in camp are Rangers player Chibueze Oputa, as well as Rivers United duo Obinna Igboke and Elias Ochobi.
The remaining players who have already joined the squad are newly invited goalkeeper Arthur Okonkwo, Femi Azeez, Owen Oseni, Philip Otele, Tochukwu Nnadi and Terem Moffi.
More members of the Super Eagles squad are expected to arrive in London in the coming days as preparations intensify ahead of the start of the competition.
Nigeria are due to hold their first training session on Saturday evening at Cray Valley FC in south-east London. The session is scheduled to begin at 1800 local time at the club’s ground on Middle Park Avenue.
The Unity Cup will offer the Super Eagles another opportunity to build momentum under Chelle while also blending home-based players with members of the wider international squad.
The inclusion of several Nigeria Premier Football League players in the squad has drawn attention, with domestic performers given the chance to impress on the international stage.
Nigeria will begin their title defence against Zimbabwe national football team in the semi-finals.
Victory in that match would secure a place in the final, where they would face either Jamaica national football team or India national football team, who meet in the other semi-final.
The tournament provides Nigeria with competitive fixtures as the team continues preparations for future international assignments, while also giving newly invited players an opportunity to stake a claim for regular places in the national side.
With more players expected to join camp shortly, attention will now turn to training sessions and tactical preparations before the Super Eagles begin their defence of the Unity Cup crown.
