The squad announcement reflects Chelle’s determination to strike a balance between tested internationals, exciting young prospects, and standout performers from the domestic league as Nigeria intensifies preparations for future continental and global competitions.
For the Unity Cup tournament, which will take place between May 26 and May 30 at The Valley, the home ground of Charlton Athletic, the coach selected captain Wilfred Ndidi, goalkeeper Francis Uzoho, defenders Bruno Onyemaechi and Igoh Ogbu, alongside forwards Moses Simon, Akor Adams and Terem Moffi among a 27-man list.
Nigeria will begin the competition against Zimbabwe’s Warriors on Tuesday, May 26, with victory expected to send the Super Eagles into the final against either Jamaica or India, who meet in the second semi-final on Wednesday, May 27.
The Unity Cup has also provided an opportunity for several fresh faces to earn their first invitations into the national team setup.
Goalkeeper Arthur Okonkwo received a maiden call-up after impressive displays in England, while defenders Emmanuel Fernandez and midfielders Raphael Onyedika, Tochukwu Nnadi and Ebenezer Akinsanmiro also earned places in the squad.
Forward Rafiu Durosinmi is another first-time invitee who will be looking to make a strong impression in national colours.
Chelle equally rewarded several home-based stars for their performances in the Nigeria Premier Football League.
Goalkeeper Michael Atata joins the squad alongside defenders Elias Ochobi, Chibueze Oputa and Obinna Igboke, while midfielders Aderemi Adeoye, Ayobami Junior and Tosin Oyedokun also secured invitations.
For the high-profile international friendlies against Poland and Portugal, the Super Eagles coach recalled several senior stars expected to lead Nigeria’s charge in upcoming competitive fixtures.
Captain Ndidi is joined by midfield playmaker Alex Iwobi, goalkeeper Maduka Okoye, defenders Zaidu Sanusi, Calvin Bassey and Semi Ajayi, midfielders Frank Onyeka and Alhassan Yusuf, as well as forwards Victor Osimhen, Ademola Lookman and Paul Onuachu in a 24-man list.
The three-time African champions, who have already been drawn against Madagascar, Tanzania and Guinea-Bissau in the race for qualification to next summer’s Africa Cup of Nations finals, will first travel to face Poland at the PGE Narodowy in Warsaw on Wednesday, June 3.
Kick-off is scheduled for 8:45pm Poland time before the team proceeds to Portugal for another heavyweight clash against the Portuguese national team at the Estádio Dr. Magalhães Pessoa in Leiria on Wednesday, June 10, also scheduled for 8:45pm local time.
The Portugal encounter is expected to generate major international attention as it will serve as the European side’s final match before this year’s FIFA World Cup finals.
The Unity Cup squad in full:
Goalkeepers
Francis Uzoho (Omonia FC, Cyprus), Arthur Okonkwo (Wrexham FC, England), Michael Atata (Ikorodu City).
Defenders
Bruno Onyemaechi (Olympiakos, Greece), Emmanuel Fernandez (Glasgow Rangers, Scotland), Chibuike Nwaiwu (Trabzonspor AS, Turkey), Igoh Ogbu (Slavia Prague, Czech Republic), Obinna Igboke (Enugu Rangers), Elias Ochobi (Rivers United), Chibueze Oputa (Enugu Rangers).
Midfielders
Wilfred Ndidi (Besiktas FC, Turkey), Raphael Onyedika (Club Brugge, Belgium), Tochukwu Nnadi (Olympique Marseille, France), Ebenezer Akinsanmiro (Pisa FC, Italy), Alhassan Yusuf (New England Revolution, USA), Aderemi Adeoye (Ikorodu City), Samson Tijani (FK Dukla Prague, Czech Republic), Ayobami Junior (Shooting Stars), Tosin Oyedokun (Ikorodu City).
Forwards
Moses Simon (FC Nantes, France), Akor Adams (Sevilla FC, Spain), Terem Moffi (OGC Nice, France), Rafiu Durosinmi (Viktoria Plzen, Czech Republic).