ARTICLE AD BOX
Nigeria’s Super Eagles will head to London next week with a refreshed squad and renewed ambition as they prepare to defend their Unity Cup crown at The Valley Stadium, home of Charlton Athletic, from May 26 to 30, 2026.
Head coach Eric Chelle has unveiled a 27-man squad for the invitational tournament, blending established internationals with a number of exciting newcomers who have impressed across Europe and the Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL). The competition is expected to provide a valuable platform for the new faces to stake their claim in the national team setup ahead of future international assignments.
The Super Eagles will begin their campaign against Zimbabwe on Tuesday, May 26, with the winner advancing to the final against either Jamaica or India. Beyond the quest to retain the title, the tournament also offers Chelle an opportunity to assess emerging talents and strengthen competition within the squad.
Read Also:Portugal, Poland Friendlies Will Bring Out The Best In Eagles –Ex-International
Among the invited players are several standout performers from England, Italy, and the domestic league, all rewarded for their impressive form during the 2025/2026 season.
Completesports.com‘s AUGUSTINE AKHILOMEN takes a closer look at the 12 new players called up to represent Nigeria at the Unity Cup 2026.
Arthur Okonkwo (Wrexham FC, England)
After an impressive campaign with Wrexham in the Championship, where the club narrowly missed out on the playoffs, Okonkwo has continued to make headlines for the right reasons. Recall that the shot-stopper expressed his determination to represent Nigeria at international level, a dream he eventually realised after switching allegiance before the end of the 2025/2026 season.
Blessed with strong reflexes, commanding aerial ability, and composure under pressure, the former Arsenal academy goalkeeper has earned praise for his maturity and consistency throughout the season.
It is also worth noting that Okonkwo kept 11 clean sheets for Wrexham. He was hailed as a hero following a seven-save performance against Nottingham Forest in the FA Cup, which included two penalty shootout saves.
His commanding displays earned him a maiden Nigeria call-up for the 2026 Unity Cup and the upcoming friendlies against Portugal and Poland in June.
His performances have not only helped Wrexham remain competitive but have also elevated his reputation as one of the most promising Nigerian goalkeepers abroad.
Owen Oseni (Plymouth Argyle, England)
Young, strong, and intelligent on the ball, Oseni remains one of the standout players in League One with Plymouth Argyle this season.
The 23-year-old striker’s outstanding work rate and crucial goals have attracted interest from top-flight clubs and earned him a call-up to the Super Eagles for the 2026 Unity Cup.
Read Also:EXCLUSIVE: Analysing Owen Oseni, Femi Azeez Ahead Possible Super Eagles Debuts At Unity Cup 2026
He combines poaching ability with intelligent movement in the final third, frequently taking up dangerous positions to finish chances. Oseni recorded seven goals and three assists in League One for Plymouth during the 2025/2026 season.
Femi Azeez (Millwall FC, England)
Azeez has proved beyond reasonable doubt that he belongs at the highest level following his impressive displays for Millwall in the Championship, where the club lost to Hull City in the promotion playoffs.
Known for being a fast and fearless dribbler who loves to cut inside from the right wing to shoot or create chances — much like Bayern Munich star Michael Olise — Azeez is also highly effective in transitioning from defence to attack.
He has been a pivotal part of Millwall’s attacking setup, making significant contributions in goals and chance creation. Owing to his excellent form, Azeez has attracted interest from Premier League clubs, including Brighton & Hove Albion and AFC Bournemouth.
The 24-year-old winger, who has been invited to the Super Eagles for the Unity Cup, is expected to make his debut for Nigeria against Zimbabwe on May 26 at The Valley.
Rafiu Durosinmi (Pisa FC, Italy)
Tall, lanky, and a natural goal scorer, Durosinmi will be hoping to use the Unity Cup to announce his arrival among the Super Eagles’ established stars.
Although he had previously been considered for international duty, this 2026 invitation marks his official inclusion in the senior national team setup under coach Eric Chelle.
Standing at 6ft 4in, he is recognised as a high-potential striker with experience in Serie A with Pisa, as well as in European competitions.
Durosinmi is expected to battle for a place in attack alongside the more established forwards in the squad.
Michael Atata (Ikorodu City)
Atata earned his dream call-up to the Super Eagles following a stellar campaign in the Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL), where he kept 16 clean sheets.
Read Also:Unity Cup: Okonkwo, Femi Azeez, 12 Others Arrive Super Eagles London Camp
He is undoubtedly one of the success stories of Ikorodu City, a club currently battling for a continental ticket in the league. This invitation represents a major milestone in Atata’s career as one of the youngest goalkeepers in the NPFL.
He is one of seven NPFL players invited for the tournament, alongside his Ikorodu City teammates Tosin Oyedokun and Aderemi Adeoye.
Ayobami Junior (Shooting Stars)
Known for his creativity in midfield for Shooting Stars, Junior has established himself as one of the standout performers in the Nigeria Premier Football League this season.
His excellent passing range allows him to orchestrate play effectively, threading precise through balls and maintaining possession under pressure.
The Shooting Stars maestro has been a model of consistency and will be hoping to use his Super Eagles invitation for the Unity Cup to prove his quality on the international stage.
Tosin Oyedokun (Ikorodu City)
The midfielder has earned recognition for his excellent chemistry with teammate Aderemi Adeoye, helping drive the Lagos club’s rise in the Nigeria Premier Football League.
Despite operating in midfield, his eye for goal has further marked him out as one to watch for the Super Eagles at the Unity Cup.
He will be eager to seize his opportunity and impress Super Eagles coach Eric Chelle during the tournament.
Aderemi Adeoye (Ikorodu City)
Partnering Oyedokun in midfield, Adeoye’s creativity and consistency have been crucial to Ikorodu City’s impressive form in the Nigeria Premier Football League.
His eye-catching performances in the league have been outstanding, and he will hope to replicate that form with the Super Eagles at the Unity Cup.
He is one of the three players invited from Ikorodu City by Super Eagles coach Eric Chelle.
Elias Ochobi (Rivers United)
Big, strong, and dependable, Ochobi operates primarily as a left-back for Nigeria Premier Football League side Rivers United.
Read Also:Plymouth Striker Delighted With Surprise Super Eagles Call-Up
Promoted from the Rivers United youth team to the senior squad, he has shown remarkable development under coach Finidi George.
Ochobi has played a key role for Rivers United during the 2025/2026 NPFL season, frequently starting top-flight matches and making important defensive contributions for his team.
He will also be eager to maximise his opportunity at the Unity Cup and prove his worth.
Chibueze Oputa (Enugu Rangers)
Oputa is a standout right-back for Nigeria Premier Football League side Enugu Rangers and is known for his pace, high work rate, and ability to dominate defensively while also contributing in attack.
Often dubbed the “Reece James of the NPFL,” he is recognised for his blistering recovery pace, one-on-one defending, and consistent attacking contributions.
He will certainly be hoping to make a strong impression with the Super Eagles at the Unity Cup.
Obinna Igboke (Enugu Rangers)
Widely regarded as one of the best left-backs in the Nigeria Premier Football League, Igboke has been a reliable defender for Enugu Rangers in their pursuit of the domestic league title this season.
Igboke is a modern attacking left-back who offers both defensive stability and a significant attacking threat for Enugu Rangers.
Read Also:Okonkwo Reveals All-Time Super Eagles Best Eleven
His invitation to the Super Eagles for the Unity Cup comes as no surprise given his outstanding performances for his club.
Tijani Al-Ameen (Shooting Stars)
Described as having a “Van Dijk-like” style of play, Al-Ameen uses his defensive qualities to initiate attacking moves by releasing wingers from the back.
He has become one of the most effective defenders for Shooting Stars in the Nigeria Premier Football League this season.
Al-Ameen’s style is characterised by a strong mentality, combining physical strength with high tactical intelligence, making him a cornerstone of the 3SC defensive setup.

2 hours ago
2








English (US) ·