Super Eagles unveil squad for Unity Cup and Portugal tie

The head coach of the Super Eagles of Nigeria Eric Chelle has named two separate squads for the country’s upcoming Unity Cup campaign and international friendlies against Poland and Portugal as preparations continue for future competitions.

The Super Eagles manager announced a 27-man squad for the Unity Cup mini-tournament, which is due to be staged at The Valley, home of Charlton Athletic, between 26 and 30 May.

Nigeria will open their title defence against Zimbabwe national football team on 26 May, with the winners advancing to the final against either Jamaica national football team or India national football team.

Chelle’s squad combines experienced internationals with emerging talents and several home-based players.

Captain Wilfred Ndidi is among the senior figures included for the tournament, alongside goalkeeper Francis Uzoho, defenders Bruno Onyemaechi and Igoh Ogbu, and attacking players Moses Simon, Akor Adams and Terem Moffi.

Several players received maiden invitations to the senior national side, including goalkeeper Arthur Okonkwo, defender Emmanuel Fernandez and midfielders Raphael Onyedika, Tochukwu Nnadi and Ebenezer Akinsanmiro.

Forward Rafiu Durosinmi has also earned his first senior call-up.

Home-based footballers were not left out of the selection, with Michael Atata, Elias Ochobi, Chibueze Oputa, Obinna Igboke, Aderemi Adeoye, Ayobami Junior and Tosin Oyedokun all included in the squad for the competition.

Alongside the Unity Cup selection, Chelle also announced a separate 24-man squad for high-profile friendly matches against Poland national football team and Portugal national football team in Europe.

The squad for those matches includes some of Nigeria’s leading international players, among them Victor Osimhen, Ademola Lookman, Alex Iwobi, Calvin Bassey and Paul Onuachu.

Osimhen, who currently plays for Galatasaray, continues to enjoy strong form at club level ahead of the international fixtures.

Nigeria are scheduled to face Poland on 3 June at the PGE Narodowy Stadium in Warsaw before travelling to Leiria to take on Portugal on 10 June at the Estádio Dr Magalhães Pessoa.

The Super Eagles are also preparing for qualification for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations, where they have been drawn alongside Madagascar national football team, Tanzania national football team and Guinea-Bissau national football team.

Chelle’s selections indicate an attempt to balance established internationals with younger prospects and home-based players as Nigeria prepare for a demanding international schedule.

The inclusion of new faces alongside experienced stars reflects the coach’s efforts to strengthen depth and competition within the squad ahead of upcoming tournaments and qualifiers.

Andrews Sefa Bamfo

Andrews Sefa Bamfo is a promising young football writer and reporter, recognised as one of the rising talents in African football journalism. He specialises in match reporting, features and on-ground coverage, bringing fresh perspective and energy to the industry.He is educated at the University of Ghana and has gained valuable experience working with one of Ghana’s leading media organisations, TV3, where he developed his skills in both television reporting and football journalism.Andrews’ talent and potential were further recognised when he was selected for the prestigious CAF Young Reporters Programme, where he received advanced media training in partnership with CANAL+. This exposure has helped shape his understanding of modern sports journalism and storytelling.Since then, he has continued to grow in the field and is widely regarded as one of the emerging voices in African football media. He is currently a Staff Writer at African.Football, contributing to the platform’s coverage with insightful reports and engaging content for a global audience.

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