Super Eagles Coach Eric Chelle Unveils 26-Man Squad for 2025 Unity Cup in London
Nigeria’s national football team manager, Eric Chelle, has announced a 26-man squad for the upcoming May 2025 Unity Cup in London, while also revealing a separate 21-player roster for an international friendly against Russia.
Notable Absences and Surprise Recall
The squad announcement, shared on the Super Eagles’ official X page, revealed several notable omissions including star players Ademola Lookman, Victor Osimhen, and Alex Iwobi. In a surprising move, veteran forward Ahmed Musa of Kano Pillars has been recalled to the national team setup.
Upcoming Fixtures
The three-time Africa Cup of Nations champions will begin their Unity Cup campaign with a high-profile clash against arch-rivals Ghana on Wednesday, May 28, 2025. This will be followed by an international friendly against Russia on June 6.
Squad Composition
Unity Cup Squad
Chelle’s selection for the Unity Cup features a balanced mix of experienced players and emerging talents:
- Goalkeepers: Stanley Nwabali, Maduka Okoye, Amas Obasogie
- Defenders: Bruno Onyemaechi, Semi Ajayi, Igoh Ogbu, Ifeanyi Onyebuchi, Junior Nduka, Sodiq Ismaila, Waliu Ojetoye, Felix Agu (training only)
- Midfielders: Wilfred Ndidi, Frank Onyeka, Christantus Uche, Papa Mustapha, Collins Ugwueze, Saviour Isaac
- Forwards: Samuel Chukwueze, Moses Simon, Kelechi Iheanacho, Nathan Tella, Cyriel Dessers, Tolu Arokodare, Sikiru Alimi, Ahmed Musa, Abubakar Adamu
Russia Friendly Squad
The reduced squad for the Russia friendly includes:
- Goalkeepers: Maduka Okoye, Amas Obasogie
- Defenders: William Troost-Ekong, Ola Aina, Igoh Ogbu, Bright Osayi-Samuel, Bruno Onyemaechi, Semi Ajayi
- Midfielders: Wilfred Ndidi, Frank Onyeka, Christantus Uche, Papa Mustapha, Fisayo Dele-Bashiru, Raphael Onyedika
- Forwards: Samuel Chukwueze, Moses Simon, Kelechi Iheanacho, Nathan Tella, Victor Boniface, Tolu Arokodare, Sadiq Umar
Strategic Approach
The squad selections suggest Coach Chelle is using the Unity Cup as an opportunity to test new combinations and evaluate emerging talents, while maintaining a more experienced core for the prestigious friendly against Russia.
No official explanation has been provided for the absence of key players like Osimhen and Iwobi, leaving fans speculating about the coach’s tactical considerations.
All credit goes to the original article. For more information, read the source.