Chelle Unveils Blend of Home-Based Stars, Foreign Pros for Unity Cup, Europe Friendlies

Super Eagles Head Coach Eric Chelle has released separate squads for the upcoming Unity Cup tournament in London and high-profile international friendly matches against Poland and Portugal next month.
Captain Wilfred Ndidi headlines the Unity Cup squad alongside Francis Uzoho, Bruno Onyemaechi, Igoh Ogbu, Moses Simon, Akor Adams and Terem Moffi as Nigeria prepares to defend its title in the four-nation competition.
The Super Eagles will battle Zimbabwe in the semi-final at The Valley Stadium on May 26, with the winner advancing to face either Jamaica or India in the final.
Chelle also handed opportunities to several fresh faces, including goalkeeper Arthur Okonkwo, defenders Emmanuel Fernandez and midfielders Raphael Onyedika, Tochukwu Nnadi and Ebenezer Akinsanmiro. Forward Rafiu Durosinmi also earned a maiden invitation.
A number of Nigeria Premier Football League stars were rewarded with call-ups, among them Michael Atata, Elias Ochobi, Chibueze Oputa, Obinna Igboke, Aderemi Adeoye, Ayobami Junior and Tosin Oyedokun.
For the glamour friendlies against Poland and Portugal, Chelle recalled established internationals such as Victor Osimhen, Ademola Lookman, Alex Iwobi, Calvin Bassey, Frank Onyeka and Paul Onuachu.
Nigeria will take on Poland in Warsaw on June 3 before travelling to Leiria to face Portugal on June 10 as preparations intensify for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations.
The three-time African champions were recently drawn in Group L alongside Madagascar, Tanzania and Guinea-Bissau for the AFCON qualifying campaign.