Super Eagles head coach, Eric Chelle has unveiled a 26-man squad for the upcoming Unity Cup, as well as a trimmed 21-player list for the international friendly against Russia with notable absentees including Victor Osimhen, Ademola Lookman, and Alex Iwobi.
The Unity Cup, created to promote African football unity, will see Nigeria face fierce rivals Ghana in the opening match on Wednesday, May 28.
Chelle’s selection for the tournament combines experience with rising talent.
Goalkeepers Stanley Nwabali, Maduka Okoye, and Amas Obasogie will compete for the starting role, while captain Ahmed Musa returns to the team alongside Cyriel Dessers, who finished the Scottish Premiership season as top scorer.
Victor Boniface misses out on the Unity Cup squad but is expected to feature against Russia.
Following the clash against Ghana, the Super Eagles will play either Trinidad and Tobago or Jamaica in the final or third-place match.
Unity Cup Squad:
Goalkeepers: Stanley Nwabali, Maduka Okoye, Amas Obasogie
Defenders: Bruno Onyemaechi, Semi Ajayi, Igoh Ogbu, Ifeanyi Onyebuchi, Junior Nduka, Sodiq Ismaila, Waliu Ojetoye, Felix Agu (training only)
Midfielders: Wilfred Ndidi, Frank Onyeka, Christantus Uche, Papa Mustapha, Collins Ugwueze, Saviour Isaac
Forwards: Samuel Chukwueze, Moses Simon, Kelechi Iheanacho, Nathan Tella, Cyriel Dessers, Tolu Arokodare, Sikiru Alimi, Ahmed Musa, Abubakar Adamu
Meanwhile, Nigeria has confirmed its participation in an international friendly against Russia, despite concerns over the latter’s ongoing FIFA ban.
The fixture is scheduled for Friday, June 6, at the Luzhniki Stadium in Moscow. For this match, Chelle has named a refreshed 21-man squad.
Russia Friendly Squad:
Goalkeepers: Maduka Okoye, Amas Obasogie
Defenders: William Troost-Ekong, Ola Aina, Bright Osayi-Samuel, Bruno Onyemaechi, Semi Ajayi, Igoh Ogbu
Midfielders: Wilfred Ndidi, Frank Onyeka, Raphael Onyedika, Fisayo Dele-Bashiru, Chrisantus Uche, Papa Daniel Mustapha
Forwards: Victor Boniface, Samuel Chukwueze, Kelechi Iheanacho, Moses Simon, Nathan Tella, Tolu Arokodare, Sadiq Umar
The friendly match is part of Nigeria’s preparations for the 2025 AFCON and the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers.
