Nigeria will get their Unity Cup campaign under way on May 26, against Zimbabwe, and ahead of the offseason competition, Super Eagles head coach Eric Chelle has named a 27-man squad.
The tournament will conclude on Saturday, May 30, with both the final and third place playoff matches scheduled for the same day.
Nigeria are the defending champions of the Unity Cup and remain strong favorites heading into the competition against Zimbabwe.
The other teams that are participating is India and Jamaica, both will play each other in the second semi final.
Historically, Nigeria and Zimbabwe have faced each other eight times in official matches.
The Super Eagles have recorded four victories, while the remaining four encounters ended in draws.
With that impressive record and the overall strength of the squad, expectations remain high for Nigeria to successfully defend their title.
Even without key forwards Victor Osimhen and Akor Adams, confidence around the Super Eagles remains strong.
Betting platform JumboBet has Nigeria among the favorites for the Unity Cup title, highlighting the quality and depth available within the squad despite the absence of some major stars.
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Meanwhile, for the Unity Cup, Super Eagles coach Eric Chelle handed invitations to Arthur Okonkwo and Femi Azeez in what is the first glance of his new look team.
The list was officially announced on Wednesday, and the 27-man squad features a blend of experienced internationals and standout performers from the NPFL.
The squad announcement has generated significant excitement among supporters as several new faces prepare for their first opportunity with the national team.
Among the most talked about inclusions is Femi Azeez, who has enjoyed an outstanding campaign this season.
The forward has recorded 11 goals and 7 assists in 37 appearances, establishing himself as one of the most consistent attacking players at club level.
His invitation adds more competition and quality to Nigeria’s attacking department ahead of the tournament.
Another exciting addition is Zadok Abu Yohanna. The 18 year old winger has become one of the most discussed young talents in recent months because of his pace, creativity, and fearless style of play.
His performances this season have highlighted his enormous potential and Chelle’s decision to include him in the squad signals the coach’s desire to build for the future while integrating promising young players into the national team.
Oseni Owen has also earned recognition after an impressive breakthrough season with Plymouth Argyle.
Since joining the club at the start of the campaign, the forward has contributed 10 goals and 3 assists in all competitions.
His direct attacking approach and confidence in front of goal have made him one of the most exciting Nigerian youngsters playing abroad this season.
In midfield, Samson Tijani’s inclusion has been widely praised following an excellent season with FK Dukla Prague.
The versatile midfielder, who can operate as a defensive midfielder, central midfielder, and centre back, has delivered consistently strong performances throughout the campaign.
Tijani has featured in 25 league matches this season, completing 436 passes and 34 accurate long balls while creating five chances.
Defensively, he has won 98 duels, made 25 tackles, recorded 40 interceptions, produced numerous blocked shots, recovered possession 120 times, and registered 49 clearances.
His performances have underlined his maturity, discipline, and tactical intelligence.
Arthur Okonkwo also enters the squad following an impressive campaign with Wrexham AFC.
The goalkeeper played a total of 3,420 minutes this season, facing 170 shots and producing 114 saves while conceding 53 goals and keeping nine clean sheets.
His consistency and commanding presence have strengthened his reputation as one of Nigeria’s promising goalkeepers abroad.
The Full squad
Goalkeepers: Francis Uzoho (Omonia FC), Arthur Okonkwo (Wrexham FC), and Michael Atata (Ikorodu United FC).
Defenders: Emmanuel Fernandez (Rangers FC), Chibuike Nwaiwu (Trabzonspor), Igoh Ogbu (Slavia Prague), Elias Ochobi (Rivers United), Chibueze Oputa (Rangers FC), Obinna Igboke (Rangers FC), and Bruno Onyemaechi (Olympiakos FC).
Midfielders: Wilfred Ndidi (Besiktas JK), Samson Tijani (FK Dukla Prague), Raphael Onyedika (Club Brugge), Tochukwu Nnadi (Olympic Marseille), Ebenezer Akinsanmiro (Pisa FC), Yusuf Alhassan (New England Revolution), Aderemi Adeoye (Ikorodu City), Ayobami Junior (Shooting Stars), and Oyedokun Tosin (Ikorodu City).
Forwards: Moses Simon (Paris FC), Akor Adams (Sevilla FC), Philip Otele (Hamburger SV), Oseni Owen (Plymouth Argyle), Zadok Abu Yohanna (AIK), Terem Moffi (FC Porto), Rafiu Durosinmi (Pisa FC), and Femi Azeez (Millwall FC).
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