Super Eagles head coach Eric Sékou Chelle has named 12 players from the Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) in his squad for this month’s Unity Cup — a four-nation international tournament taking place in London from 27 to 31 May.
The Unity Cup will see Nigeria take on Ghana, Jamaica, and Trinidad & Tobago in a friendly showcase at Brentford’s GTech Community Stadium, as part of preparations for the 2025 African Nations Championship (CHAN), co-hosted by Kenya, Tanzania, and Uganda.
Among the NPFL contingent is red-hot Remo Stars striker Sikiru Alimi, whose goal-scoring form earns him another call-up. Also included are CHAN Eagles captain Nduka Junior, veteran forward Ahmed Musa, and Enugu Rangers duo Isaac Saviour and Ifeanyi Onyebuchi.
Plateau United pair Adamu Abubakar and Vincent Temitope have also been selected, as has Niger Tornadoes midfielder Papa Daniel, who featured in Nigeria’s World Cup qualifiers in March.
READ MORE: NWFL Super Six kicks off with fireworks as big names falter
Chelle’s squad leans heavily on domestic players, with the tournament falling outside the FIFA international window. It’s a deliberate move, says assistant coach Daniel Ogunmodede, aimed at rewarding consistency in the local league.
Super Eagles coaches led by Eric Chelle. Photo Credit: X
“These players never know who’s watching,” Ogunmodede told Sports247. “Coach Chelle has been closely monitoring NPFL games and is in regular touch with us about potential call-ups.”
CLICK HERE TO JOIN THE ATHLETIC NG WHATSAPP CHANNEL NOW!
Ogunmodede, who recently guided Remo Stars to their first NPFL title, confirmed a strong local presence for the London trip.
“He’ll often say, ‘I’ve seen this player—shall we bring him in?’ It’s part of a bigger plan to strengthen the home-based core ahead of CHAN.”
The tournament opens with Jamaica versus Trinidad & Tobago, followed by Nigeria’s clash with arch-rivals Ghana on 28 May. Winners advance to the final, while the losing sides will meet in a third-place play-off.
