Unity Cup: Nigeria’s Super Eagles ready for battle with warriors of Zimbabwe
The Super Eagles are set to take on Zimbabwe in the first semi-final of the Unity Cup on Tuesday. Nigeria, defending champions of the four-nation tournament, will battle the Warriors of Zimbabwe at Charlton Athletic Stadium (The Valley).
The Super Eagles and the Warriors are no strangers to each other. In the 2026 World Cup qualifiers, Nigeria and Zimbabwe played out a 1-1 draw in both legs. Nigeria have failed to beat the Southern African side in their last three meetings, with all ending in draws.
Tuesday’s match will see two African teams clash in the Unity Cup, while the other semi-final will feature India against Jamaica on Wednesday.
Ahead of the game, Coach Eric Chelle held training with 20 players. The Franco-Malian coach has named two squads — one for the Unity Cup and another for the team’s June friendlies against Portugal and Poland. Several high-profile names are missing from both squads. But among the new players is Wrexham goalkeeper Arthur Okonkwo, who recently switched his allegiance from England to Nigeria.
Others include defenders Emmanuel Fernandez and Igoh Ogbu; midfielders Raphael Onyedika, Tochukwu Nnadi, and Ebenezer Akinsanmiro; as well as striker Rafiu Durosinmi. Some Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) players also made the list, including Michael Atata, Elias Ochobi, Chibueze Oputa, Obinna Igboke, Aderemi Adeoye, Ayobami Junior, and Tosin Oyedokun.
