Super Eagles head coach Eric Chelle has named twelve debutants in Nigeria’s 27-man squad for the 2026 Unity Cup mini tournament in London. Back in April, Chelle revealed plans to use the Unity Cup as an experimental platform to assess new talents while reserving his established stars for June’s high-profile friendlies against Poland and Portugal.
Among the headline names is Arthur Okonkwo, the former Arsenal academy goalkeeper who is also the only Unity Cup debutant selected for the June friendlies as well. NPFL breakout goalkeeper Michael Atata also received a first call-up after an impressive domestic season with Ikorodu City, during which he kept sixteen clean sheets.
In defence, Chelle handed maiden invitations to Obinna Igboke and Chibueze Oputa of Enugu Rangers, as well as Elias Ochobi from Rivers United. The midfield department includes defensive midfielder Aderemi Adeoye, creative Ayobami Junior of Shooting Stars, and fellow Ikorodu City player Tosin Oyedokun. Up front, Chelle introduced several fresh attacking options, including Irish-born striker Owen Oseni, who becomes the first Irish-born player invited to the Super Eagles, Sweden-based teenager Zadok Yohanna of AIK, towering striker Rafiu Durosinmi, and winger Femi Azeez.
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While the squad contains twelve outright newcomers, several other players return to the national team setup after long absences. Samson Tijani earned his first call-up in six years. Defenders Chibuike Nwaiwu and Emmanuel Fernandez, alongside winger Philip Otele, also returned after making their debuts during the previous international window in March. Midfielder Ebenezer Akinsanmiro was included again despite still waiting for his first appearance in a Super Eagles shirt.
Nigeria will face Zimbabwe in the Unity Cup semi-final at The Valley on May 26, with the winners progressing to the final against either Jamaica or India.
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