Chelle unleashes Osimhen, Lookman, Okoye, 22 other Super Eagles stars for Portugal, Poland

The Nigeria Football Federation has confirmed a strong 25-man Super Eagles squad for next month’s international friendlies against Poland and Portugal, Afrik-Foot reports.

Unlike the squad unveiled for the Unity Cup 2026, head coach Éric Chelle has recalled several key stars for the high-profile matches.

Nigeria will first face Poland on 3 June in Warsaw before travelling to Leiria to take on World Cup-bound Portugal on 10 June.

The squad list shows Chelle has selected three goalkeepers, seven defenders, seven midfielders and eight forwards as he prepares the three-time African champions for two demanding European tests.

Your #SuperEagles squads for the #2026UnityCup and June Friendlies 📋 pic.twitter.com/akoS3NlCoB

— 🇳🇬 Super Eagles (@NGSuperEagles) May 20, 2026

Leading the squad are attacking stars Victor Osimhen and Ademola Lookman, who headline a dangerous attacking department packed with pace, power and experience.

The forward line also includes Samuel Chukwueze, Moses Simon, Paul Onuachu, Terem Moffi and Akor Adams, giving Chelle several tactical options against two technically strong European opponents.

One of the biggest talking points from the squad announcement is the inclusion of Plymouth Argyle forward Owen Oseni. The youngster, who registered 15 goal involvements for Plymouth Argyle this season, recently committed his international future to Nigeria despite interest from Ireland and Ivory Coast.

In goal, Maduka Okoye returns to the squad and is expected to challenge for the number one shirt after the omission of Stanley Nwabali.

Okoye will battle with Francis Uzoho and Arthur Okonkwo for a starting place. Okonkwo, who is also included in the Super Eagles squad for the Unity Cup, continues his rapid rise after an impressive season with Wrexham AFC.

Chelle has also mixed experienced internationals with emerging players across defence and midfield as he continues shaping his squad ahead of future competitive fixtures.

The defence includes regular names such as Calvin Bassey, Semi Ajayi, Bright Osayi-Samuel and Zaidu Sanusi.

There is also a place for Rangers defender Emmanuel Fernandez, alongside Bruno Onyemaechi and Igoh Ogbu.

In midfield, captain Wilfred Ndidi will again lead the engine room together with Alex Iwobi, Frank Onyeka and Raphael Onyedika.

Iwobi’s inclusion comes after concerns over his fitness following a recent injury spell. However, the Fulham midfielder has now been cleared by the club’s medical team after returning to action against Wolverhampton Wanderers FC last weekend.

Midfielders Fisayo Dele-Bashiru, Alhassan Yusuf and Tochukwu Nnadi complete the midfield options for the two games.

The friendlies against Poland and Portugal are expected to provide Chelle with another major test as he continues building a balanced Super Eagles side capable of competing against elite opposition.

With Portugal preparing for the World Cup and Poland traditionally known for their disciplined defensive style, the matches will offer Nigeria a valuable opportunity to measure their progress against strong European teams before future international competitions.

Super Eagles’ 25-man squad for friendlies against Poland and Portugal

Goalkeepers: Maduka Okoye, Francis Uzoho, Arthur Okonkwo

Defenders: Bruno Onyemaechi, Zaidu Sanusi, Bright Osayi-Samuel, Semi Ajayi, Calvin Bassey, Emmanuel Fernandez, Igoh Ogbu

Midfielders: Alex Iwobi, Frank Onyeka, Wilfred Ndidi, Fisayo Dele-Bashiru, Raphael Onyedika, Tochukwu Nnadi, Alhassan Yusuf

Forwards: Ademola Lookman, Samuel Chukwueze, Moses Simon, Paul Onuachu, Akor Adams, Victor Osimhen, Terem Moffi, Owen Oseni