Arthur Okonkwo and Azeez headline Super Eagles Unity Cup squad

Nigeria will begin their Unity Cup campaign on May 26, against Zimbabwe, and ahead of the off-season competition, Super Eagles head coach Eric Chelle named a 27-man squad.

The tournament will conclude on Saturday, May 30, with the final and third-place playoff matches scheduled for the same day.

Nigeria are the defending Unity Cup champions and remain a heavy favorite heading into the competition against Zimbabwe.

The other teams participating are India and Jamaica, both of whom will meet in the second semi-final.

Historically, Nigeria and Zimbabwe have met eight times in official matches.

The Super Eagles have achieved four wins, while the remaining four matches ended in draws.

With that impressive record and the overall strength of the team, expectations remain high for Nigeria to successfully defend their title.

Even without key forwards Victor Osimhen and Akor Adams, confidence around the Super Eagles remains strong.

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Meanwhile, for the Unity Cup, Super Eagles coach Eric Chelle handed out invites to Arthur Okonkwo and Femi Azeez in what is the first glimpse of his new team.

The roster was officially announced on Wednesday and the 27-man squad features a mix of experienced internationals and notable NPFL players.

The team’s announcement has generated great excitement among fans as several new faces prepare for their first opportunity with the national team.

Among the most talked about additions is Femi Azeez, who has enjoyed an outstanding campaign this season.

The striker has recorded 11 goals and 7 assists in 37 appearances, establishing himself as one of the most consistent attacking players at club level.

Their invitation adds more competition and quality to Nigeria’s attacking department ahead of the tournament.

Another interesting addition is Zadok Abu Yohanna. The 18-year-old winger has become one of the most talked about young talents in recent months for his pace, creativity and fearless style of play.

His performances this season have highlighted his enormous potential and Chelle’s decision to include him in the squad indicates the coach’s desire to build for the future while integrating young and promising players into the national team.

Oseni Owen has also earned recognition after an impressive season with Plymouth Argyle.

Since arriving at the club at the beginning of the campaign, the forward has contributed 10 goals and 3 assists in all competitions.

His direct attacking approach and confidence in front of goal have made him one of the most exciting young Nigerians playing abroad this season.

In midfield, the inclusion of Samson Tijani has been widely praised after an excellent season with FK Dukla Prague.

The versatile midfielder, who can operate as a defensive midfielder, central midfielder and central defender, has put in consistently strong performances throughout the campaign.

Tijani has featured in 25 league games this season, completing 436 passes and 34 accurate long balls and creating five chances.

Defensively, he won 98 duels, made 25 tackles, recorded 40 interceptions, produced numerous blocked shots, recovered possession 120 times and recorded 49 clearances.

His performances have underlined his maturity, discipline and tactical intelligence.

Arthur Okonkwo also joins the squad after an impressive campaign with Wrexham AFC.

The goalkeeper played a total of 3,420 minutes this season, facing 170 shots and making 114 saves, conceding 53 goals and keeping nine clean sheets.

His consistency and commanding presence have strengthened his reputation as one of Nigeria’s most promising goalkeepers abroad.

The complete team

Goalkeepers: Francis Uzoho (Omonia FC), Arthur Okonkwo (Wrexham FC) and Michael Atata (Ikorodu United FC).

Defenders: Emmanuel Fernandez (Rangers FC), Chibuike Nwaiwu (Trabzonspor), Igoh Ogbu (Slavia Prague), Elias Ochobi (Rivers United), Chibueze Oputa (Rangers FC), Obinna Igboke (Rangers FC) and Bruno Onyemaechi (Olympiakos FC).

Midfielders: Wilfred Ndidi (Besiktas JK), Samson Tijani (FK Dukla Prague), Raphael Onyedika (Club Brugge), Tochukwu Nnadi (Olympic Marseille), Ebenezer Akinsanmiro (Pisa FC), Yusuf Alhassan (New England Revolution), Aderemi Adeoye (Ikorodu City), Ayobami Junior (Shooting Stars) and Oyedokun Tosin (Ikorodu town).

Forwards: Moses Simon (Paris FC), Akor Adams (Sevilla FC), Philip Otele (Hamburger SV), Oseni Owen (Plymouth Argyle), Zadok Abu Yohanna (AIK), Terem Moffi (FC Porto), Rafiu Durosinmi (Pisa FC) and Femi Azeez (Millwall FC).