2926 Unity Cup: ‘I’ll comb Europe For New Players’ – Chelle

Super Eagles coach, Eric Chelle, has announced his intention to scout for players of Nigerian descent across Europe and to monitor exceptional talents in the Nigeria Premier Football League in preparation for the 2026 Unity Cup.

The 2026 Unity Cup is set to take place in May at The Valley, Charlton Athletic’s home stadium.

After a challenging season, Chelle is anticipated to rest several key players from the Super Eagles for the Unity Cup in London, thereby allowing for the inclusion of new players as he assesses fresh talent.

Nigeria is scheduled to face Zimbabwe in its opening match on Tuesday, May 26, and may face either Jamaica or India in the final if it advances.

In addition to scouting players internationally, Chelle indicated he would also reconsider players who have been called up but have not yet made an appearance, or who have had limited playing time in the Unity Cup.

In a press release on Tuesday, Chelle said, “The Unity Cup offers an opportunity to evaluate new players. I will search Europe and invite new talent of Nigerian descent, as well as those who were previously called up but did not get the opportunity to play.

“Prominent players from the Nigeria Premier Football League will also be taken into account, as I will be observing several domestic league matches from now until the season concludes.”

Eric Chelle gave debuts to Benjamin Fredrick, Igoh Ogbu, Felix Agu, Christantus Uche, Papa Daniel, Alimi Sikiru, Chinemerem Ugwueze, and Ifeanyi Onyebuchi in the previous edition of the Unity Cup.