With eyes firmly set on fostering cohesion, scouting depth, and reigniting national pride, Super Eagles head coach Eric Chelle has unveiled a 25-man squad for the much-anticipated Unity Cup 2025. The tournament, which kicks off on May 27 at the Gtech Community Stadium in London, will see Nigeria, Ghana, Jamaica, and Trinidad & Tobago clash in a celebration of shared heritage and footballing passion.
The announcement signals Chelle’s intent to test new dynamics within the national team structure, particularly through the inclusion of ten home-based players, many of whom are getting their first shot at senior international competition.
In what could be described as a bold but calculated selection, Chelle has turned to Nigeria’s domestic league to fill critical gaps in the squad. Leading the charge is Junior Harrison Nduka, captain of both the Super Eagles B (CHAN team) and NPFL champions Remo Stars. Nduka is joined by fellow locals Sodiq Ismaila, Waliu Ojetoye, Ifeanyi Onyebuchi, and others, most of whom earned their stripes in the just-concluded NPFL season.
Midfield reinforcements like Saviour Isaac, Papa Daniel Mustapha, and Collins Ugwueze from Enugu Rangers and Niger Tornadoes will be looking to seize their opportunity against seasoned internationals such as Wilfred Ndidi, Frank Onyeka, and Chrisantus Uche.
Chelle’s selection speaks to a long-term developmental plan, one that aims to bridge the gap between the NPFL and global football stages. It is also a direct nod to the clamour from fans and pundits alike for local stars to be given meaningful chances on the international scene.
“These home-based players aren’t just fillers. They’ve earned the right to be here. This tournament gives them the exposure and challenge they need,” Chelle said in a pre-tournament presser.
While the defence and midfield show experimentation, the forward line is a mix of established stars and promising returnees. Nigeria will count on the creativity and pace of Samuel Chukwueze, Moses Simon, and Nathan Tella, alongside the finishing power of Kelechi Iheanacho, Cyriel Dessers, and Tolu Arokodare.
Also returning to the squad is veteran Ahmed Musa, who, despite reduced club minutes, continues to serve as a symbolic leader for the younger talents. Sikiru Alimi and Adamu Abubakar, both standout performers in the NPFL, round out the attacking unit.
Nigeria’s journey begins on May 28, when they face age-old rivals Ghana in the second semi-final of the tournament. The match reignites a fierce footballing rivalry that spans over 70 years, promising fireworks in West London.
The Unity Cup, while friendly in nature, carries significant symbolic and sporting value. It is a platform to test tactics, scout depth, and promote cultural ties among the African diaspora and Caribbean nations.
Should Nigeria overcome Ghana, they will face the winner of the Jamaica vs Trinidad & Tobago tie in the final on May 31. The third-place match will precede the final, ensuring all four teams see meaningful minutes across the week.
Super Eagles Squad for Unity Cup 2025
Goalkeepers:
Stanley Nwabali (Chippa United, South Africa)
Maduka Okoye (Udinese, Italy)
Amas Obasogie (Singida Blackstars, Tanzania)
Defenders:
Semi Ajayi (West Brom, England)
Bruno Onyemaechi (Olympiacos, Greece)
Igoh Ogbu (Slavia Prague, Czech Republic)
Junior Nduka (Remo Stars)
Ifeanyi Onyebuchi (Enugu Rangers)
Sodiq Ismaila (Remo Stars)
Waliu Ojetoye (Ikorodu City)
Midfielders:
Wilfred Ndidi (Leicester City, England)
Frank Onyeka (Augsburg, Germany)
Chrisantus Uche (Getafe, Spain)
Saviour Isaac (Enugu Rangers)
Collins Ugwueze (Enugu Rangers)
Papa Daniel Mustapha (Niger Tornadoes)
Forwards:
Kelechi Iheanacho (Middlesbrough, England)
Samuel Chukwueze (AC Milan, Italy)
Moses Simon (FC Nantes, France)
Nathan Tella (Bayer Leverkusen, Germany)
Cyriel Dessers (Rangers FC, Scotland)
Tolu Arokodare (Genk, Belgium)
Sikiru Alimi (Remo Stars)
Ahmed Musa (Kano Pillars)
Adamu Abubakar (Plateau United)
Training Only:
Felix Agu (Werder Bremen, Germany)
As the tournament draws nearer, Chelle’s hybrid approach will be under the microscope. Can the local lads rise to the challenge? Will the established internationals use this platform to fine-tune their synergy ahead of World Cup qualifiers?
The Unity Cup may be friendly in name, but for Nigeria, it’s a serious test of football identity, depth, and unity.
