Super Eagles head coach Eric Chelle has unveiled two separate Nigeria squads for the upcoming Unity Cup tournament and the June international friendlies against Poland and Portugal.
The decision offers an interesting glimpse into Chelle’s thinking as he continues shaping the next era of the national team ahead of AFCON 2027 qualification and future World Cup ambitions.
While the Unity Cup squad features a blend of experienced internationals, home-based talent and new faces, the friendlies against Poland and Portugal will see Nigeria return to a more full-strength setup led by stars like Victor Osimhen, Ademola Lookman and Alex Iwobi.
Unity Cup Squad Brings Fresh Faces and NPFL Talent
The Unity Cup squad feels like a deliberate opportunity for experimentation.
Nigeria will face Zimbabwe in the semi-finals at Charlton’s The Valley Stadium in London on May 26, with a potential final against either Jamaica or India awaiting.
Several home-based players have been included, alongside younger names looking to establish themselves internationally. There is also major interest around goalkeeper Arthur Okonkwo, who recently switched allegiance from England to Nigeria and receives his first senior call-up.
A R T H U R O K O N K W O ? ?? pic.twitter.com/y1kHbNnA5x
— ?? Super Eagles (@NGSuperEagles) May 19, 2026
Players like Raphael Onyedika, Ebenezer Akinsanmiro, Tochukwu Nnadi and Rafiu Durosinmi also have the chance to make strong impressions.
Importantly, Chelle has still kept experienced figures in the squad, including captain Wilfred Ndidi, Moses Simon and Terem Moffi, giving the group some leadership and balance.
Osimhen, Lookman and Iwobi Return for Bigger European Tests
For the glamour friendlies against Poland and Portugal, Chelle has gone much stronger.
The squad includes many of Nigeria’s biggest stars, with Victor Osimhen leading the line alongside Ademola Lookman, Samuel Chukwueze and Paul Onuachu.
The midfield also looks experienced, featuring Alex Iwobi, Frank Onyeka, Raphael Onyedika and Wilfred Ndidi, while the defence is anchored by Calvin Bassey and Semi Ajayi.
On paper, these friendlies should provide a far clearer indication of what Chelle’s strongest XI currently looks like heading into future competitive fixtures.
What Chelle’s Two Squads Tell Us
The biggest takeaway is clear: Eric Chelle wants competition for places.
Rather than relying entirely on established names, the Super Eagles boss appears determined to widen the player pool and properly assess emerging talent.
The Unity Cup gives fringe players and domestic standouts valuable exposure without the pressure of major qualification matches, while the Poland and Portugal friendlies allow Nigeria to test themselves against strong European opposition with a near full-strength side.
It is also another sign that the national team is gradually transitioning into a new cycle ahead of AFCON 2027.
Road to #Pamoja2027 ?? pic.twitter.com/rXpnM0fRkE
— ?? Super Eagles (@NGSuperEagles) May 19, 2026
Full Unity Cup Squad
Goalkeepers: Francis Uzoho, Arthur Okonkwo, Michael Atata
Defenders: Bruno Onyemaechi, Emmanuel Fernandez, Chibuike Nwaiwu, Igoh Ogbu, Obinna Igboke, Elias Ochobi, Chibueze Oputa
Midfielders: Wilfred Ndidi, Raphael Onyedika, Tochukwu Nnadi, Ebenezer Akinsanmiro, Alhassan Yusuf, Aderemi Adeoye, Samson Tijani, Ayobami Junior, Tosin Oyedokun
Forwards: Moses Simon, Akor Adams, Philip Otele, Owen Oseni, Zadok Abu Yohanna, Terem Moffi, Rafiu Durosinmi, Femi Azeez
Full Squad for Poland and Portugal Friendlies
Goalkeepers: Maduka Okoye, Arthur Okonkwo, Francis Uzoho
Defenders: Semi Ajayi, Calvin Bassey, Bright Osayi-Samuel, Bruno Onyemaechi, Zaidu Sanusi, Igoh Ogbu, Emmanuel Fernandez
Midfielders: Alex Iwobi, Frank Onyeka, Wilfred Ndidi, Raphael Onyedika, Fisayo Dele-Bashiru, Tochukwu Nnadi, Alhassan Yusuf
Forwards: Ademola Lookman, Samuel Chukwueze, Moses Simon, Paul Onuachu, Akor Adams, Victor Osimhen, Terem Moffi
