Nigeria name separate squads for the 2026 Unity Cup & friendlies

Eric Chelle has named two separate squads for Nigeria ahead of the 2026 Unity Cup and upcoming international friendlies against Poland and Portugal.

Eric Chelle has named two separate squads for Nigeria ahead of a busy international window that will see the Super Eagles compete in the 2026 Unity Cup and also play friendly matches against Poland and Portugal.

The decision means Nigeria will have different groups of players involved across the two assignments, allowing Chelle to assess more options as he continues to shape his team. The Unity Cup will offer a chance for selected players to impress in a competitive setting, while the friendlies against Poland and Portugal are expected to provide a tougher test against European opposition.

The squad announcement also allows several players to stake a claim for regular places in the national team as preparations continue for future international competitions. Chelle will be hoping both squads can deliver strong performances and strengthen competition within the Super Eagles setup.

Nigeria’s 2026 Unity Cup squad

Nigeria will head into the 2026 Unity Cup with a squad selected to give Eric Chelle another chance to assess his options and build momentum with the Super Eagles ahead of the 2027 AFCON qualifiers.

The tournament is expected to serve as an important test for the team, with several players hoping to impress the coach and strengthen their place in the national setup. With Nigeria also preparing for other international fixtures, the Unity Cup squad gives Chelle room to balance experience with fresh opportunities as he continues shaping the team for upcoming challenges.

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 (Olympic 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: Simon Moses (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 international friendlies

Nigeria will continue their preparations with a separate squad named for the upcoming international friendlies against Poland and Portugal.

The matches will give Eric Chelle another opportunity to test his players against strong European opposition as he works to build depth and consistency within the Super Eagles setup

Goalkeepers: Maduka Okoye (Udinese FC, Italy); Arthur Okonkwo (Wrexham FC, England); Francis Uzoho (Omonia FC, Cyprus)

Defenders: Oluwasemilogo 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)