The Super Eagles have named their 25-man squad for the much-anticipated 2025 Unity Cup, and while there’s no Victor Osimhen or Ademola Lookman, there’s still plenty to talk about.
Coach Eric Chelle’s squad for the tournament in London is a bold mix of experience, youth, and raw homegrown talent – a move that gives fans a fascinating glimpse into the future of Nigerian football.
With fixtures against rivals Ghana, and Jamaica/Trinidad on the horizon, this tournament isn’t just a celebration of African and Caribbean football culture – it’s a crucial opportunity for several fringe players to stake their claim.
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A Youthful Revolution?
The headlines will, of course, focus on who’s not in the squad. There’s no Osimhen, who just helped Galatasaray lift a Turkish double. No Lookman, fresh off an impressive Serie A campaign with Atalanta. Boniface, Bassey, Troost-Ekong, Osayi-Samuel, Aribo, Iwobi, Aina? All absent. But that’s only half the story.
This Unity Cup squad isn’t about the stars who stayed home – it’s about the emerging names looking to break through. And in that sense, it’s a squad loaded with opportunity.
Ten players from the Nigeria Premier Football League make the cut. For the likes of Junior Harrison Nduka (Remo Stars), Waliu Ojetoye (Ikorodu City), and Papa Daniel Mustapha (Niger Tornadoes), this is a rare platform to shine alongside Europe-based names.
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Veterans Still Standing
There are still a few familiar faces providing leadership. Captain Ahmed Musa returns to the fold, bringing his 100+ caps of experience and the passion to match. In goal, AFCON standout Stanley Nwabali is back between the posts, while Wilfred Ndidi and Frank Onyeka will anchor the midfield with grit and control.
The forward line includes Moses Simon, Samuel Chukwueze, Kelechi Iheanacho, and Nathan Tella – all capable of producing moments of magic. And in defence, Semi Ajayi and Olympiacos’ Bruno Onyemaechi offer structure alongside up-and-comers like Igoh Ogbu and Ifeanyi Onyebuchi.
Unity Cup Fixtures – Rivalries and Redemption
The Unity Cup kicks off on 27 May with Trinidad & Tobago vs Jamaica, before Nigeria lock horns with eternal rivals Ghana on 28 May. The final (and third-place match) follows on 31 May at Brentford’s Gtech Community Stadium in London.
It’s a clash steeped in history and rivalry. Nigeria vs Ghana is never just another match – it’s a battle for bragging rights, pride, and dominance.
For Chelle, this is more than just a friendly tournament. It’s a testing ground for squad depth ahead of the 2026 World Cup qualifiers. And for the players, especially the NPFL stars, it’s a shot at something greater – AFCON selection, or even a long-term place in the national setup.
Final Thoughts
While the star power may be lacking, this Unity Cup squad brings something arguably more compelling: hunger. For the first time in a long time, fans will get to see Nigeria’s local talent compete alongside seasoned internationals – and that blend of fresh ambition and veteran calm could create something special.
So whether you’re watching to see Musa wind back the clock or hoping an NPFL player can make his mark, one thing’s for sure – this isn’t a squad short on stories.
Goalkeepers:
Stanley Nwabali (Chippa United, SA)
Maduka Okoye (Udinese, Italy)
Amas Obasogie (Singida Blackstars, Tanzania)
Defenders:
Bruno Onyemaechi (Olympiacos, Greece)
Semi Ajayi (West Brom, England)
Igoh Ogbu (Slavia Prague, Czech Rep.)
Junior Harrison Nduka (Remo Stars)
Ifeanyi Onyebuchi (Enugu Rangers)
Sodiq Ismaila (Remo Stars)
Waliu Ojetoye (Ikorodu City)
Midfielders:
Wilfred Ndidi (Leicester, England)
Frank Onyeka (Augsburg, Germany)
Chrisantus Uche (Getafe, Spain)
Papa Daniel Mustapha (Niger Tornadoes)
Saviour Isaac (Enugu Rangers)
Collins Ugwueze (Enugu Rangers)
Forwards:
Moses Simon (FC Nantes, France)
Samuel Chukwueze (AC Milan, Italy)
Kelechi Iheanacho (Middlesbrough, England)
Nathan Tella (Bayer Leverkusen, Germany)
Cyriel Dessers (Rangers, Scotland)
Tolu Arokodare (KRC Genk, Belgium)
Sikiru Alimi (Remo Stars)
Ahmed Musa (Kano Pillars)
Adamu Abubakar (Plateau United)
Training Invitee:
Felix Agu (Werder Bremen, Germany)
