ERIC Chelle has announced separate squads for the upcoming Unity Cup tournament in London and Nigeria’s international friendly matches against Poland and Portugal scheduled for June.
News Point Nigeria Sport reports that the Super Eagles boss retained experienced names such as captain Wilfred Ndidi, Francis Uzoho, Bruno Onyemaechi, Moses Simon, Akor Adams and Terem Moffi for the Unity Cup, while also handing opportunities to several fresh faces and home-based players.
Nigeria will take on Zimbabwe in the semi-final of the Unity Cup at Charlton Athletic’s The Valley on May 26. The winner of the tie will advance to the final to face either Jamaica or India, who meet in the other semi-final.
Among the new invitees are Wrexham United’s goalkeeper Arthur Okonkwo, who recently switched his alliance from England to Nigeria.
Others are defenders Emmanuel Fernandez and Igoh Ogbu, midfielders Raphael Onyedika, Tochukwu Nnadi and Ebenezer Akinsanmiro, as well as striker Rafiu Durosinmi.
A number of Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) players also made the squad, including Michael Atata, Elias Ochobi, Chibueze Oputa, Obinna Igboke, Aderemi Adeoye, Ayobami Junior and Tosin Oyedokun.
For the glamour friendlies against Poland and Portugal, Chelle recalled several established internationals, including Alex Iwobi, Victor Osimhen, Ademola Lookman, Calvin Bassey, Frank Onyeka and Paul Onuachu.
The three-time African champions will face Poland in Warsaw on June 3 before travelling to Leiria for a clash against Portugal on June 10 as preparations continue for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations.
Nigeria have already been drawn in the same AFCON group with Madagascar, Tanzania and Guinea-Bissau.
Unity Cup Squad
Goalkeepers: Francis Uzoho, Arthur Okonkwo, Michael Atata
Defenders: Bruno Onyemaechi, Emmanuel Fernandez, Chibuike Nwaiwu, Igoh Ogbu, Obinna Igboke, Elias Ochobi, Chibueze Oputa
Midfielders: Wilfred Ndidi, Raphael Onyedika, Tochukwu Nnadi, Ebenezer Akinsanmiro, Alhassan Yusuf, Aderemi Adeoye, Samson Tijani, Ayobami Junior, Tosin Oyedokun
Forwards: Moses Simon, Akor Adams, Philip Otele, Owen Oseni, Zadok Abu Yohanna, Terem Moffi, Rafiu Durosinmi, Femi Azeez
Squad for Poland and Portugal Friendlies
Goalkeepers: Maduka Okoye, Arthur Okonkwo, Francis Uzoho
Defenders: Semi Ajayi, Calvin Bassey, Bright Osayi-Samuel, Bruno Onyemaechi, Zaidu Sanusi, Igoh Ogbu, Emmanuel Fernandez
Midfielders: Alex Iwobi, Frank Onyeka, Wilfred Ndidi, Raphael Onyedika, Fisayo Dele-Bashiru, Tochukwu Nnadi, Alhassan Yusuf
Forwards: Ademola Lookman, Samuel Chukwueze, Moses Simon, Paul Onuachu, Akor Adams, Victor Osimhen, Terem Moffi