Stanley Nwabali and Maduka Okoye have both been left out as Super Eagles head coach Eric Chelle unveiled his 27-man squad for the 2026 Unity Cup in London.
The biggest headline from the squad announcement is the maiden invitation handed to Arthur Okonkwo, the former Arsenal academy goalkeeper currently impressing at Wrexham.
Chelle’s squad also features a strong blend of home-based talents from the NPFL, signalling the coach’s desire to inject fresh energy and competition into the national team setup ahead of the tournament.
Nigeria will head to London between May 26 and May 30, 2026, looking to successfully defend the Unity Cup title they won in dramatic fashion last year.
In a bold move, Chelle opted to overlook established first-choice goalkeepers Nwabali and Okoye, opening the door for Arthur Okonkwo to battle for the starting role alongside Francis Uzoho and rising home-based goalkeeper Michael Atata.
The squad selection has already sparked major reactions among fans, with many viewing it as a clear statement that Chelle is ready to reshape the Super Eagles with fearless decisions and fresh competition across every position.
The Road To Unity Cup Glory Begins
The iconic turf of Charlton Athletic at The Valley will be turned into a sea of green and white as Nigeria arrives for the 2026 Unity Cup, running from May 26 to May 30.
The Super Eagles head into the tournament as reigning champions after their dramatic penalty shootout victory over Jamaica at Brentford last year, and the mission is clear: defend the crown.
Nigeria begin their campaign on May 26 with a heavyweight African clash against Zimbabwe. A win would book a place in the final, where they would face either Jamaica or India, depending on the outcome of their semi-final encounter.
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Head coach Eric Chelle has named a bold, experimental squad built on energy, youth, and competition. Veteran midfielder Wilfred Ndidi is expected to provide leadership and stability in the heart of the team.
The selection also shines a spotlight on domestic talent, with NPFL standouts such as Aderemi Adeoye of Ikorodu City and Tosin Oyedokun earning opportunities to impress on the international stage. Enugu Rangers duo Chibueze Oputa and Obinna Igboke also add to the strong home-based representation.
This is a young, fast, and fearless squad built to press, attack, and dominate. With Arthur Okonkwo stepping into the spotlight and eager to prove his decision to commit internationally, the Super Eagles head into London with confidence and ambition, ready to see who can withstand the pressure.
Nigeria’s 27-Man Squad For Unity Cup Defence
Head coach Eric Chelle has announced a balanced and competitive 27-man Super Eagles squad for the upcoming Unity Cup, blending established internationals, Europe-based talents, and a strong contingent of NPFL standouts across all departments.
Your #SuperEagles squads for the #2026UnityCup and June Friendlies 📋 pic.twitter.com/akoS3NlCoB
— 🇳🇬 Super Eagles (@NGSuperEagles) May 20, 2026
In goal, Nigeria will rely on Francis Uzoho of Omonia FC, alongside rising options Arthur Okonkwo of Wrexham AFC and home-based shot-stopper Michael Atata from Ikorodu City.
The defensive unit features a mix of European experience and local talent, including Bruno Onyemaechi of Olympiakos, Emmanuel Fernandez of Rangers FC, and Chibuike Nwaiwu representing Trabzonspor. They are joined by Igoh Ogbu of Slavia Prague, as well as NPFL representatives Obinna Igboke (Enugu Rangers), Elias Ochobi (Rivers United), and Chibueze Oputa (Enugu Rangers).
In midfield, the squad is anchored by experienced enforcer Wilfred Ndidi of Beşiktaş, alongside creative and dynamic options such as Raphael Onyedika of Club Brugge and Tochukwu Nnadi of Olympique de Marseille. The midfield group is further strengthened by Ebenezer Akinsanmiro (Pisa SC), Alhassan Yusuf (New England Revolution), and NPFL talents Aderemi Adeoye (Ikorodu City), Samson Tijani (FK Dukla Prague), Ayobami Junior (Shooting Stars), and Tosin Oyedokun (Ikorodu City).
In attack, the Super Eagles boast serious firepower with Moses Simon of Paris FC, Akor Adams of Sevilla FC, and Philip Otele of Hamburger SV. They are joined by Owen Oseni (Plymouth Argyle), Zadok Abu Yohanna (AIK Fotboll), Terem Moffi (FC Porto), Rafiu Durosinmi (Pisa SC), and Femi Azeez (Millwall FC).
Overall, it is a youthful and energetic squad with a strong mix of European experience and homegrown talent, reflecting a clear intent to build depth and competition across all areas ahead of the Unity Cup campaign.
