Super Eagles Unity Cup 2026 Squad Preview: Azeez, Moffi Return as Awoniyi Opts Out for London Tournament

The Super Eagles Unity Cup 2026 squad has arrived, and coach Eric Chelle has used this window to reshape and refresh his options ahead of Nigeria’s London tournament. Nigeria travel to The Valley — home of Charlton Athletic — in late May to defend the Unity Cup title they won last year. Their campaign opens on May 26 against Zimbabwe. However, before a ball is kicked, the squad announcement itself tells a fascinating story about where Nigerian football is heading under Chelle’s management.

Millwall winger Femi Azeez has earned his first senior call-up after a standout Championship season that saw him named in the EFL team of the year. Terem Moffi returns to the fold on the back of a loan spell at Porto. By contrast, Nottingham Forest forward Taiwo Awoniyi has opted out due to a minor surgery scheduled for the end of the English season. Kelechi Iheanacho and Tolu Arokodare — once considered in contention — are not included. Therefore, this Super Eagles squad reflects both new ambition and hard selection calls from a coach who has made it clear he is building toward a defined vision.

Who Is In — The Key Selections and New Faces

Chelle’s most striking decision is the inclusion of Femi Azeez. The 25-year-old Millwall winger has been one of the Championship’s finest players this season. Specifically, his direct running, ability to beat defenders and end-product in the final third earned him a place in the division’s team of the season. Furthermore, his Nigerian descent makes this call-up a natural step, and Chelle has been open about his intention to look beyond the traditional pool of Europe-based Nigerians.

Alongside Azeez among the new faces, Zadok Yohanna of Swedish top-flight side AIK earns a first senior squad inclusion. Owen Oseni from Plymouth Argyle and Rafiu Durosinmi — who spent the season with Pisa in Serie A before their relegation — also receive call-ups. Notably, Chelle emphasised that his scouting process now covers leagues at all levels across Europe, not just the top five. As a result, players who are performing consistently — regardless of division — now have a genuine path into the Super Eagles setup.

Terem Moffi’s return is significant. The forward has experienced a challenging club career in recent years but brought renewed focus during his loan at Porto. Consequently, Chelle sees him as a versatile option in attack who can contribute minutes without the emotional pressure of being a guaranteed starter. Nathan Tella also returns, adding directness and energy on the wings.

Six NPFL-based players are included in the squad, continuing Chelle’s commitment to recognising domestic football talent. That decision has been broadly welcomed across Nigerian football circles. It signals respect for the league’s development and gives home-based players visible incentive to maintain high performance levels.

The Absences — Awoniyi, Iheanacho and Arokodare Ruled Out

Taiwo Awoniyi’s absence is the headline omission, though the reason is entirely understandable. The Nottingham Forest striker requires minor surgery immediately after the English Premier League season concludes, and that procedure directly overlaps with the Unity Cup schedule. Therefore, his withdrawal carries no hint of dispute or selection controversy — it is a straightforward medical situation. Nonetheless, Awoniyi’s presence would have added Premier League sharpness and physical presence to Nigeria’s attack.

Kelechi Iheanacho’s exclusion is a different matter. The Celtic striker has been in productive form, including a memorable winning goal that kept alive speculation of a Super Eagles return. However, Chelle has decided against calling him up for this cycle. That is a bold call, particularly given Iheanacho’s experience and his recent club form. By contrast, Chelle appears set on building a different forward profile — younger, faster, and more directly dynamic.

Tolu Arokodare’s omission is similarly notable. The Genk striker has been linked with a return but Chelle kept him out of this squad. As a result, the forward group heading to London represents a blend of experienced players seeking to reassert themselves — like Moffi — and fresh faces looking to make a first impression. That is a deliberate coaching strategy, not a squad selection by default.

The Unity Cup — Format, Fixtures and What Is at Stake

The Unity Cup takes place in London from May 26 to May 30. The Valley, Charlton Athletic’s home ground, hosts all matches. Nigeria enter as defending champions, having won the tournament last year. Their semi-final opponent on May 26 is Zimbabwe. The winner of that tie will face either India or Jamaica in the final.

While the Unity Cup is a friendly tournament without competitive points on the line, its value for Nigeria is significant. Specifically, Chelle will use these matches to assess new players in a proper international environment, bed in tactical patterns, and give fringe players the chance to push for a World Cup qualifying squad spot. Therefore, the performances in London will directly influence selection decisions when the serious qualifying campaign resumes later this year.

Zimbabwe represent a test rather than a formality. They have improved as a footballing nation in recent years and will arrive in London with genuine competitive intent. As a result, Nigeria cannot afford a casual approach in the semi-final. Chelle has been clear in his communication — every player must perform, not just participate.

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Chelle’s Vision — New Players, New Standards

Eric Chelle arrived as Super Eagles head coach with a clear mandate: rebuild, refresh, and raise standards. The Unity Cup 2026 squad reflects that process in action. He has not picked on reputation. He has not made emotional recalls. Furthermore, he has been disciplined in excluding players — including several established names — who do not currently meet his standards or fit his system.

Chelle’s scouting expansion into the Championship, Scandinavian leagues and Serie B is a shift in approach. Historically, Super Eagles squads drew primarily from the top five European leagues. However, Chelle’s argument is that consistent performers in competitive second-tier leagues can contribute at international level — provided their application and mentality are right. Femi Azeez is the most high-profile proof of that theory in this squad.

The presence of six domestic players also sends a message. Notably, it is not merely symbolic — Chelle has insisted that NPFL players must compete for starting spots, not simply make up the numbers. As a result, the Matchday 37 performances this Sunday — including the dramatic title race between Rangers and Rivers United — carry a secondary significance: players who impress may strengthen their case for future squads.

Verdict — What to Expect from the Super Eagles at the Unity Cup

Nigeria should progress past Zimbabwe in the semi-final. The Super Eagles’ quality, even with several regulars absent, represents a clear step above their opponent. Furthermore, defending the title on home soil — in this case, London as a long-established hub for the Nigerian diaspora — will provide significant motivation. The crowd at The Valley will be overwhelmingly behind Nigeria.

However, the final against India or Jamaica presents a different challenge. India’s football programme has grown rapidly in recent years. Jamaica, with their strong European-based contingent, are physically strong and technically organised. Therefore, Nigeria must perform at a high level from the first semi-final minute to produce the kind of tournament performance that justifies the selection choices Chelle has made.

Ultimately, the Super Eagles Unity Cup 2026 squad preview is a story about the future. Azeez, Yohanna, Oseni and Durosinmi may not be household names today. By the time Nigeria’s World Cup qualifying campaign reaches its decisive stages, one or more of them could be integral parts of the squad. That is the pipeline Chelle is building — and the Unity Cup is where it takes its next step.