Unity Cup: Super Eagles Start Title Defense Against Zimbabwe with New Squad

An experimental Super Eagles squad will take on Zimbabwe’s Warriors in the Unity Cup semi‑final tonight, Completesports.com reports.

Captain Wilfred Ndidi, Moses Simon, Bruno Onyemaechi, Raphael Onyedika, and Akor Adams missed the final training session on Monday and are unavailable for the match.

Goalkeeper Francis Uzoho, Igoh Ogbu, and Tochukwu Nnadi – all members of the Super Eagles squad at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations – are expected to start, joined by recalled players Terem Moffi and Alhassan Yusuf.

Winger Femi Azeez, who impressed for Millwall in the Sky Bet Championship during the 2025/26 season, and Plymouth Argyle forward Owen Oseni will both be hoping to make their debuts.

Eight home‑based players in the squad will also be eager to gain experience against Kaitano Tembo’s side.

Zimbabwe, led by experienced midfielder Marvelous Nakamba, are also rebuilding and are expected to give several new players their first caps in the encounter.

Chelle on New Super Eagles Stars

Super Eagles head coach Éric Chelle said the players in camp are ready to make the country proud.

Unity Cup: Chelle Expects Tough Battle Against Zimbabwe

“Like I said, we have a vision for this national team (Super Eagles),” Chelle said ahead of the game.

“Some of the new players are ready and motivated. The players of the NPFL, the players of the European leagues, they have the chance to enter the Super Eagles (main) team.”

“When you play a game like this, the first thing is the attitude, the state of mind. They have to show us first their state of mind. The most important thing for them is to know when you play football, you make some mistakes.”

“This is not the question about the mistakes. This is the question of what you can do after the mistakes. It’s a question about the state of mind. The only pressure that they can have is to fight for every ball. It is to run, run and run.”

Nigeria, Zimbabwe Recent Meetings

Both teams drew in the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers.

The Super Eagles were held to a 1‑1 draw in the first meeting played in Rwanda in 2024, while the reverse fixture in Uyo last year ended in heartbreak as the Warriors grabbed a late equaliser.

Tonight’s encounter at The Valley is scheduled to kick off at 7:30 pm.

By Adeboye Amosu