Eric Chelle has unveiled two separate squads for Nigeria national football team ahead of a packed international schedule that includes the 2026 Unity Cup and high-profile friendly matches against Poland national football team and Portugal national football team.
The decision to split the teams across both assignments appears to be part of Chelle’s wider plan to assess more players while building depth within the Super Eagles setup.
While the Unity Cup squad largely offers opportunities to emerging and fringe players, the friendly squad features several established stars expected to test themselves against strong European opposition.
The move also gives the new coach another chance to closely evaluate talent ahead of crucial future competitions, including the 2027 AFCON qualifiers.
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Nigeria’s squad for the 2026 Unity Cup
The Unity Cup team combines experienced internationals with fresh faces hoping to make a lasting impression in national colours.
The tournament is expected to serve as an important platform for Chelle to continue shaping the identity of his squad while giving more players exposure at senior level.
Goalkeepers
Francis Uzoho (Omonia FC, Cyprus)
Arthur Okonkwo (Wrexham FC, England)
Michael Atata (Ikorodu City)
Defenders
Bruno Onyemaechi (Olympiakos, Greece)
Emmanuel Fernandez (Glasgow Rangers, Scotland)
Chibuike Nwaiwu (Trabzonspor AS, Turkey)
Igoh Ogbu (Slavia Prague, Czech Republic)
Obinna Igboke (Enugu Rangers)
Elias Ochobi (Rivers United)
Chibueze Oputa (Enugu Rangers)
Midfielders
Wilfred Ndidi (Besiktas FC, Turkey)
Raphael Onyedika (Club Brugge, Belgium)
Tochukwu Nnadi (Olympique Marseille, France)
Ebenezer Akinsanmiro (Pisa FC, Italy)
Alhassan Yusuf (New England Revolution, USA)
Aderemi Adeoye (Ikorodu City)
Samson Tijani (FK Dukla Prague, Czech Republic)
Ayobami Junior (Shooting Stars)
Tosin Oyedokun (Ikorodu City)
Forwards
Moses Simon (Paris FC, France)
Akor Adams (Sevilla FC, Spain)
Philip Otele (Hamburger SV, Germany)
Owen Oseni (Plymouth FC, England)
Zadok Abu Yohanna (AIK, Greece)
Terem Moffi (FC Porto, Portugal)
Rafiu Durosinmi (Pisa FC, Italy)
Femi Azeez (Millwall FC, England)
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Nigeria’s squad for friendlies against Poland and Portugal
For the friendlies, Chelle has leaned more heavily on proven internationals and key senior players as Nigeria prepares for difficult tests against two experienced European sides.
Goalkeepers
Maduka Okoye (Udinese FC, Italy)
Arthur Okonkwo (Wrexham FC, England)
Francis Uzoho (Omonia FC, Cyprus)
Defenders
Semi Ajayi (Hull City, England)
Calvin Bassey (Fulham FC, England)
Bright Osayi-Samuel (Birmingham City, England)
Bruno Onyemaechi (Olympiakos, Greece)
Zaidu Sanusi (FC Porto, Portugal)
Igoh Ogbu (Slavia Prague, Czech Republic)
Emmanuel Fernandez (Glasgow Rangers, Scotland)
Midfielders
Alex Iwobi (Fulham FC, England)
Frank Onyeka (Coventry FC, England)
Wilfred Ndidi (Besiktas FC, Turkey)
Raphael Onyedika (Club Brugge, Belgium)
Fisayo Dele-Bashiru (SS Lazio, Italy)
Tochukwu Nnadi (Olympique Marseille, France)
Alhassan Yusuf (New England Revolution, USA)
Forwards
Ademola Lookman (Atletico Madrid, Spain)
Samuel Chukwueze (Fulham FC, England)
Moses Simon (Paris FC, France)
Paul Onuachu (Trabzonspor AS, Turkey)
Akor Adams (Sevilla FC, Spain)
Victor Osimhen (Galatasaray FC, Turkey)
Terem Moffi (FC Porto, Portugal)
With both squads now confirmed, attention will turn toward how Chelle balances experimentation with results as he continues rebuilding and refining the Super Eagles ahead of major international competitions.
Your #SuperEagles squads for the #2026UnityCup and June Friendlies 📋 pic.twitter.com/akoS3NlCoB
— 🇳🇬 Super Eagles (@NGSuperEagles) May 20, 2026