Allnigeriasoccer.com can exclusively report with certainty that Super Eagles head coach Éric Chelle has named a 27-man squad for the upcoming 2026 Unity Cup, set to be staged in London between 26 and 30 May 2026 at The Valley in London.
The invitational tournament will feature four nations, with Nigeria joined by India, Jamaica, and Zimbabwe, and will be played over a short international window designed to allow coaches test new players, tactical systems, and squad depth ahead of future international fixtures.
Nigeria, who are the defending Unity Cup champions, will begin their campaign with a semi-final fixture on 26 May 2026, before competing in either the final or third-place playoff on 30 May 2026, depending on their result.
The compact format ensures each team plays at least two matches, making squad rotation and depth a key factor.
For Chelle, the Unity Cup represents another important step in his ongoing rebuilding process with the Super Eagles, as he continues to blend established internationals with emerging talents from Europe and the Nigerian Professional Football League (NPFL).
One of the key talking points from the squad announcement is the introduction of several maiden call-ups, as Chelle opens the door to fresh talent in key areas.
Among the new invitees are Zadok Abu Yohanna, Femi Azeez, and Owen Oseni, all of whom receive their first senior national team call-up after impressive club performances in Europe.
Zadok has been included in the squad list despite the AIK forward still recovering from a thigh injury, and earlier reports suggesting he had not been in contact with the Nigeria Football Federation.
Their inclusion highlights Chelle’s willingness to broaden Nigeria’s attacking options and reward consistent form at club level, particularly for players operating in competitive European environments.
The squad also features a strong NPFL presence, with players such as Michael (Ikorodu United), Elias Ochobi (Rivers United), Chibueze Oputa (Rangers FC), Aderemi Alhassan (Ikorodu City), Ayobami Adeoye (Shooting Stars), and Oyedokun Junior (Ikorodu City) earning opportunities to impress on the international stage.
Experienced names like Wilfred Ndidi, Moses Simon, Terem Moffi, and Raphael Onyedika also make the list, providing balance and leadership to the youthful squad.
With competition for places intensifying, the Unity Cup is expected to serve as a key evaluation platform for both debutants and established players as Chelle continues to shape the future of the Super Eagles.
Nigeria's 27-man roster for the 2026 Unity Cup
Goalkeepers (3): Francis Uzoho (Omonia FC, Cyprus), Arthur Okonkwo (Wrexham FC, England), Michael (Ikorodu United FC, Nigeria)
Defenders (7): Emmanuel Fernandez (Rangers FC, Scotland), Chibuike Nwaiwu (Trabzonspor, Turkey), Igho Ogbu (Slavia Prague, Czech Republic), Elias Ochobi (Rivers United, Nigeria), Chibueze Oputa (Rangers FC, Nigeria), Obinna Igboke (Rangers FC, Nigeria), Bruno Onyemaechi (Olympiacos, Greece)
Midfielders (9): Wilfred Ndidi (Beşiktaş JK, Turkey), Samson Tijani (Dukla Prague, Czech Republic), Raphael Onyedika (Club Brugge, Belgium), Tochukwu Nnadi (Olympique de Marseille, France), Ebenezer Akinsanmiro (Pisa SC, Italy), Alhassan Yusuf (New England Revolution, USA), Aderemi Adeoye (Ikorodu City, Nigeria), Ayobami Adeoye (Shooting Stars, Nigeria), Oyedokun Junior (Ikorodu City, Nigeria)
Forwards (8): Moses Simon (Paris FC, France), Akor Adams (Sevilla FC, Spain), Philip Otele (Hamburger SV, Germany), Oseni Owen (Plymouth FC, England), Zadok Abu Yohanna (AIK, Sweden), Terem Moffi (FC Porto, Portugal), Rafiu Durosinmi (Pisa SC, Italy), Femi Azeez (Millwall FC, England).
Wale Adejumo
Copyright ANS
All rights reserved. This material, and other digital content on this website, may not be reproduced, published, rewritten or redistributed in whole or in part without prior express written permission from allnigeriasoccer.com
Discussions (0)