Chelle Names 27-Man Squad for Unity Cup, 24 for Poland and Portugal Friendlies
Head Coach Eric Chelle has unveiled two separate Super Eagles squads for upcoming fixtures in Europe, naming 27 players for the Unity Cup Mini-Tournament in London and 24 for high-profile friendly matches against Poland and Portugal.
The Unity Cup, scheduled between May 26 and May 30 at Charlton Athletic’s The Valley Stadium, will see Nigeria begin its defense of the title against Zimbabwe on May 26.
Victory would set up a final clash against the winner of Jamaica versus India, played the following day.
Chelle’s selection includes captain Wilfred Ndidi, goalkeeper Francis Uzoho, defenders Bruno Onyemaechi and Igoh Ogbu, and forwards Moses Simon, Akor Adams, and Terem Moffi.
First-time call-ups include goalkeeper Arthur Okonkwo, defender Emmanuel Fernandez, midfielders Raphael Onyedika, Tochukwu Nnadi, Ebenezer Akinsanmiro, and forward Rafiu Durosinmi.
Several home-based talents such as Michael Atata, Elias Ochobi, Chibueze Oputa, Obinna Igboke, Aderemi Adeoye, Ayobami Junior, and Tosin Oyedokun also feature.
For the friendlies, Chelle has assembled a 24-man squad headlined by Ndidi, Alex Iwobi, Maduka Okoye, Zaidu Sanusi, Calvin Bassey, Semi Ajayi, Frank Onyeka, Alhassan Yusuf, Victor Osimhen,
Ademola Lookman, and Paul Onuachu.
‘Nigeria will face Poland at the PGE Narodowy Stadium in Warsaw on June 3, before traveling to Portugal to meet the hosts at the Estadio Dr. Magalhães Pessoa in Leiria on June 10.
The Portugal fixture will serve as the European champions’ final warm-up before the FIFA World Cup.
The Super Eagles, three-time African champions, are also preparing for their Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers where they will face Madagascar, Tanzania, and Guinea Bissau.
Chelle’s dual squad announcement reflects a balance of experienced internationals and emerging talents, as Nigeria looks to maintain momentum on multiple fronts.
