Chelle Snubs Nwabali, Announce Super Eagles Squads For Unity Cup, Europe Friendlies

Super Eagles Head Coach Eric Chelle has unveiled two distinct squads for the upcoming Unity Cup tournament and high-profile international friendly matches against Poland and Portugal. Notably absent from both rosters is former Chippa United goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali, who has been the Super Eagles’ first-choice keeper since his standout performance at the 2023 AFCON. Nwabali is currently clubless, a factor that may have influenced his exclusion.

Unity Cup Challenge

The Super Eagles will aim to defend their Unity Cup title at the Charlton Athletic Stadium (The Valley) from May 26th to 30th. The squad for this tournament features captain Wilfred Ndidi, goalkeeper Francis Uzoho, defenders Bruno Onyemaechi and Igoh Ogbu, and forwards Moses Simon, Akor Adams, and Terem Moffi, alongside 20 other players.

Newcomers to the Unity Cup squad include goalkeeper Arthur Okonkwo, defenders Emmanuel Fernandez, midfielders Raphael Onyedika, Tochukwu Nnadi, Ebenezer Akinsanmiro, and forward Rafiu Durosinmi. Several home-based players, including goalkeeper Michael Atata, have also received call-ups.

Nigeria will face Zimbabwe in the semi-final on May 26th, with the winner progressing to the final against either Jamaica or India.

Poland & Portugal Friendlies:

For the challenging friendly encounters in Europe, Chelle has selected a 24-player squad that includes key figures like captain Ndidi, midfielder Alex Iwobi, goalkeeper Maduka Okoye, defenders Zaidu Sanusi, Calvin Bassey, and Semi Ajayi. Upfront, Victor Osimhen, Ademola Lookman, and Paul Onuachu are expected to lead the line.

The Super Eagles will first travel to Warsaw to face Poland at the PGE Narodowy Stadium on June 3rd, before heading to Portugal to take on the Portuguese national team at the Estadio Dr. Magalhães Pessoa on June 10th. These matches serve as crucial preparation for the upcoming Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers, where Nigeria is drawn against Madagascar, Tanzania, and Guinea Bissau.