Super Eagles head coach Éric Chelle has unveiled his squads for the forthcoming Unity Cup and the international friendlies against Portugal and Poland in June, with Victor Osimhen making a return to the national team setup.
Nigeria’s senior men’s national team is set to return to action after nearly two months away, beginning with participation in the four-nation Unity Cup before taking on European heavyweights Portugal and Poland in what promises to be a stern test for Chelle’s side.
Ahead of the fixtures, the Franco-Malian tactician had hinted at his intention to use the Unity Cup as an opportunity to assess fringe players while reserving the glamour clashes against Portugal and Poland for his more established stars. The squad announcement released on Wednesday reflected exactly that strategy.
Super Eagles coach Eric Chelle has named separate squads for the Unity Cup and June friendlies against Portugal and Poland, with Victor Osimhen returning and several new faces earning call ups.
For the Unity Cup, Chelle selected a 27-man squad featuring a significant number of newcomers, with several players receiving their first opportunities to impress at senior international level.
The squad includes a strong representation from the Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL), with seven home-based players earning invitations alongside a blend of emerging talents based in Europe.
To provide balance and leadership, experienced internationals including Wilfred Ndidi, Francis Uzoho, and Moses Simon have been retained in the squad to guide the newer faces through the competition.
In goal, Francis Uzoho of Omonia FC, Arthur Okonkwo of Wrexham AFC, and Ikorodu City’s Michael Atata have been entrusted with goalkeeping responsibilities.
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The defensive unit includes Emmanuel Fernandez, Chibuike Nwaiwu, Igoh Ogbu, Elias Ochobi, Chibueze Oputa, Obinna Igboke, and Bruno Onyemaechi, with a mix of domestic and foreign-based players expected to compete for places.
In midfield, Chelle opted for a blend of steel, creativity, and youth by calling up Wilfred Ndidi, Samson Tijani, Raphael Onyedika, Tochukwu Nnadi, Ebenezer Akinsanmiro, Alhassan Yusuf, Aderemi Adeoye, Ayobami Junior, and Tosin Oyedokun.
The attack also features exciting options, including Moses Simon, Akor Adams, Philip Otele, Owen Oseni, Zadok Abu Yohanna, Terem Moffi, Rafiu Durosinmi, and Femi Azeez.
(Osimhen returns for Portugal and Poland friendlies) Photo Credit: Imago
For the marquee friendlies against Portugal and Poland, Chelle has reverted to a more familiar core, recalling several of Nigeria’s established internationals for the high profile encounters.
Victor Osimhen headlines the squad after returning to the fold, joining a star-studded lineup that also features Alex Iwobi, Calvin Bassey, Ademola Lookman, Wilfred Ndidi, and Samuel Chukwueze.
Maduka Okoye, Francis Uzoho, and Arthur Okonkwo were selected as goalkeepers, while the defensive options include Bruno Onyemaechi, Zaidu Sanusi, Bright Osayi-Samuel, Calvin Bassey, Semi Ajayi, Emmanuel Fernandez, and Igoh Ogbu.
In midfield, Chelle has called on Alex Iwobi, Frank Onyeka, Wilfred Ndidi, Fisayo Dele-Bashiru, Raphael Onyedika, Tochukwu Nnadi, and Alhassan Yusuf to provide control and creativity in the center of the park.
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Nigeria’s attacking department will be spearheaded by former African Footballer of the Year Ademola Lookman, alongside Samuel Chukwueze, Moses Simon, Owen Oseni, Paul Onuachu, Akor Adams, Victor Osimhen, and Terem Moffi.
However, the squad announcement also came with a few notable absentees. Key names such as Ola Aina, Benjamin Fredrick, Taiwo Awoniyi, and first-choice goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali were omitted from the squad for the June internationals.
