Nigeria coach Éric Chelle has named 12 uncapped players in his 27‑man squad for the 2026 Unity Cup, signaling a bold mix of youth, home‑based talent and emerging overseas prospects as the Super Eagles prepare to defend their title in London.
The tournament, set to begin May 26, will feature Nigeria, Jamaica, India and Zimbabwe. Nigeria won the previous edition and will aim to retain the trophy with a squad that reflects Chelle’s promise to reward standout domestic performances.
Seven players from the Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) earned maiden invitations, including Ikorodu City trio Michael Atata, Aderemi Adeoye and Tosin Oyedokun. Rangers International contributed Chibueze Oputa and Obinna Igboke, while Rivers United’s Elias Ochobi and Shooting Stars playmaker Ayobami Junior also made the cut.
Ayobami has led the NPFL in assists this season with 13, while Oyedokun has added four goals and four assists for Ikorodu City. Goalkeeper Atata kept 16 clean sheets, and defender Oputa recorded six assists — the most by any NPFL defender this term.
Teenage winger Zadok Yohanna, 18, is among the most exciting names in the squad after impressing with AIK Fotboll in Sweden’s Allsvenskan, scoring twice and assisting three times in seven appearances.
Forward Rafiu Durosinmi, currently at Pisa Sporting Club, also earned a surprise call‑up despite limited recent impact, with Chelle citing his long‑term potential.
Three English Football League players were included: striker Owen Oseni of Plymouth Argyle, winger Femi Azeez of Millwall and goalkeeper Arthur Okonkwo of Wrexham. Azeez scored 11 goals and provided eight assists this season, while Okonkwo kept 10 clean sheets in 39 matches.
Chelle’s selections underline his intent to reshape the Super Eagles with a blend of domestic standouts and overseas prospects, as Nigeria looks to extend its dominance in the Unity Cup and build momentum for future international competitions.
