Nigeria name separate squads for the 2026 Unity Cup & friendlies
- 9 hours ago
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Eric Chelle Names Two Separate Super Eagles Squads for Unity Cup and European Friendlies
Super Eagles head coach Eric Chelle has unveiled two separate squads for Nigeria ahead of the 2026 Unity Cup and the upcoming international friendlies against Poland and Portugal.
The decision highlights Chelle’s plan to evaluate a wider pool of players during a busy international window as he continues rebuilding and strengthening the Super Eagles squad ahead of future competitions.
While one group of players will compete in the 2026 Unity Cup, another squad has been assembled for the high-profile friendly matches against European sides Poland and Portugal. The approach gives the coaching staff an opportunity to test depth across multiple positions while allowing several players to fight for regular places in the national team setup.
The Unity Cup is expected to provide a competitive platform for emerging and fringe players to impress, while the clashes against Poland and Portugal will offer Nigeria a stronger tactical and physical challenge against top European opposition.
With preparations already underway for the 2027 AFCON qualifiers and other major tournaments, Chelle will be hoping both squads deliver convincing performances and increase competition within the Super Eagles camp.
Nigeria’s 2026 Unity Cup Squad
Nigeria will head into the 2026 Unity Cup with a squad designed to give Eric Chelle another opportunity to assess his options and build momentum with the Super Eagles.
The tournament is expected to serve as a key testing ground for several players aiming to cement their place in the national setup, with Chelle balancing experienced names alongside fresh faces as he continues shaping the future of the team.
Goalkeepers
Francis Uzoho (Omonia FC, Cyprus)
Arthur Okonkwo (Wrexham FC, England)
Michael Atata (Ikorodu City)
Defenders
Bruno Onyemaechi (Olympiakos, Greece)
Emmanuel Fernandez (Glasgow Rangers, Scotland)
Chibuike Nwaiwu (Trabzonspor AS, Turkey)
Igoh Ogbu (Slavia Prague, Czech Republic)
Obinna Igboke (Enugu Rangers)
Elias Ochobi (Rivers United)
Chibueze Oputa (Enugu Rangers)
Midfielders
Wilfred Ndidi (Besiktas FC, Turkey)
Raphael Onyedika (Club Brugge, Belgium)
Tochukwu Nnadi (Olympique Marseille, France)
Ebenezer Akinsanmiro (Pisa FC, Italy)
Alhassan Yusuf (New England Revolution, USA)
Aderemi Adeoye (Ikorodu City)
Samson Tijani (FK Dukla Prague, Czech Republic)
Ayobami Junior (Shooting Stars)
Tosin Oyedokun (Ikorodu City)
Forwards
Moses Simon (Paris FC, France)
Akor Adams (Sevilla FC, Spain)
Philip Otele (Hamburger SV, Germany)
Owen Oseni (Plymouth FC, England)
Zadok Abu Yohanna (AIK, Greece)
Terem Moffi (FC Porto, Portugal)
Rafiu Durosinmi (Pisa FC, Italy)
Femi Azeez (Millwall FC, England)
Nigeria’s Squad for Poland and Portugal Friendlies
Nigeria will continue their preparations with a separate squad selected for the upcoming international friendlies against Poland and Portugal.
The matches are expected to provide Eric Chelle with another major opportunity to test his tactical setup and measure his players against strong European opposition as he works to build consistency and depth within the Super Eagles team.
Goalkeepers
Maduka Okoye (Udinese FC, Italy)
Arthur Okonkwo (Wrexham FC, England)
Francis Uzoho (Omonia FC, Cyprus)
Defenders
Semi Ajayi (Hull City, England)
Calvin Bassey (Fulham FC, England)
Bright Osayi-Samuel (Birmingham City, England)
Bruno Onyemaechi (Olympiakos, Greece)
Zaidu Sanusi (FC Porto, Portugal)
Igoh Ogbu (Slavia Prague, Czech Republic)
Emmanuel Fernandez (Glasgow Rangers, Scotland)
Midfielders
Alex Iwobi (Fulham FC, England)
Frank Onyeka (Coventry FC, England)
Wilfred Ndidi (Besiktas FC, Turkey)
Raphael Onyedika (Club Brugge, Belgium)
Fisayo Dele-Bashiru (SS Lazio, Italy)
Tochukwu Nnadi (Olympique Marseille, France)
Alhassan Yusuf (New England Revolution, USA)
Forwards
Ademola Lookman (Atletico Madrid, Spain)
Samuel Chukwueze (Fulham FC, England)
Moses Simon (Paris FC, France)
Paul Onuachu (Trabzonspor AS, Turkey)
Akor Adams (Sevilla FC, Spain)
Victor Osimhen (Galatasaray FC, Turkey)
Terem Moffi (FC Porto, Portugal)
The squad selections underline Eric Chelle’s intention to build stronger competition across every department of the team while giving more Nigerian players the opportunity to prove themselves on the international stage.
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