Éric Chelle has named 12 uncapped players in his 27-man squad for the 2026 Unity Cup, as the Super Eagles set to defend their title in London.
Nigeria, Jamaica, India, and Zimbabwe will compete in the Unity Cup, which is set to start on May 26. The Super Eagles are hoping to reclaim the championship they won the year before. With strong representation from the English Football League (EFL) and the Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL), the final squad fulfills Chelle’s earlier hint that a number of fresh players will be given opportunities.
Chelle’s interest in rewarding exceptional domestic accomplishments was demonstrated when seven NPFL players received their first invites to the senior national squad.
Among the home-based team, Ikorodu City F.C. contributed the most players, including midfielder Tosin Oyedokun, defender Aderemi Adeoye, and goalkeeper Michael Atata.
Chibueze Oputa and Obinna Igboke of the reigning NPFL champions Rangers International F.C. were selected for the squad, followed by Elias Ochobi, a defender for Rivers United F.C., and Ayobami Junior, a playmaker for Shooting Stars Sports Club.
This season, Ayobami has been one of the league’s most inventive players, leading the NPFL playmaking rankings with 13 assists. With four goals and four assists for Ikorodu City, Oyedokun has also made an impression.
After an incredible season in which he kept 16 clean sheets and established himself as one of the league’s best players, keeper Michael Atata was also recognised.
While Ochobi has been commended for his dependability and defensive discipline for Rivers United, defender Chibueze Oputa has also had a breakthrough season, recording six assists, the most of any defender in the NPFL this season.
After his outstanding achievements for AIK Fotboll in the Swedish Allsvenskan, teenage winger Zadok Yohanna is one of the squad’s most intriguing names.
The 18-year-old is already drawing interest from a number of European clubs after contributing two goals and three assists in seven league games.
Despite his recent lackluster performance with Pisa Sporting Club, forward Rafiu Durosinmi was also unexpectedly invited. Durosinmi, a forward with considerable long-term potential, is well-known for his physical presence and technical skill.
Three English Football League players are among the foreign-based entrants.
Soccer player Owen Oseni was selected after making 27 appearances for Plymouth Argyle F.C., scoring seven goals and dishing out five assists.
After an incredible season at Millwall F.C., where he scored 11 goals and provided eight assists in 35 games, winger Femi Azeez arrives. Several Premier League clubs are allegedly interested in him because of his performances.
After preserving 10 clean sheets in 39 league games this season, goalkeeper Arthur Okonkwo, who is currently with Wrexham A.F.C., was also called up.
As Chelle continues to restructure the team in preparation for upcoming international games, the former Arsenal academy custodian is anticipated to put up a fierce fight for a spot in the Super Eagles lineup.
