Super Eagles Unity Cup 2026: Moffi, Yusuf, Ogbu Among 19 Players in London Camp Ahead of Zimbabwe Semifinal

Nigeria’s Super Eagles squad in London has grown to 19 players following the arrival of midfielder Alhassan Yusuf and defender Igoh Ogbu, as the team steps up its readiness for the 2026 Unity Cup — a four-nation tournament running from May 26 to May 30.

The Super Eagles enter the competition as reigning champions and will face Zimbabwe’s Warriors in the semifinal stage on Tuesday, May 26. India and Jamaica complete the tournament’s four-team field, all competing on English soil.

Head coach Eric Chelle has framed the Unity Cup as more than a title defence, describing it as a key development tool within his broader squad-building project. The tournament is part of his preparations for upcoming 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying commitments.

The camp opened on Saturday evening with an initial training session involving 14 players. That group comprised Junior Ayobami, Al Ameen Tijani, Michael Alata, Adeoye Aderemi, Oputa Chibueze, Igboke Obinna, Elias Ocholi, Tosin Oyedokun, Philip Otele, Arthur Okonkwo, Femi Azeez, Owen Oseni, Tochukwu Nnadi, and Terem Moffi.

Subsequent arrivals reinforced the squad further. Goalkeeper Francis Uzoho, Chibuike Nwaiwu, and Rafiu Durosinmi reported to camp ahead of Yusuf and Ogbu completing the contingent to bring the total to 19.

Several notable names are still expected to join the group, according to reports. Wilfred Ndidi, Moses Simon, Raphael Onyedika, Bruno Onyemaechi, Yira Sor, Akor Adams, Emmanuel Fernandez, and Ebenezer Akinsanmiro have all been called up and are anticipated to arrive in London ahead of the opening fixture.

The Zimbabwe clash on Tuesday will serve as an early indicator of where Chelle’s squad currently stands. With a number of fringe and emerging players included alongside more established names, the tournament offers competitive minutes to players on the periphery of the senior setup — a point Chelle has acknowledged publicly in the build-up to the competition.

Nigeria’s defence of the Unity Cup title comes at a time when the Super Eagles are also navigating a wider rebuilding phase under Chelle, who took charge following the team’s exit from the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations. The 2027 AFCON qualifiers will represent a more consequential test of the squad’s depth and cohesion, making exposure opportunities like the Unity Cup particularly significant in the current cycle.