Eric Chelle has named his 25-man squad for the 2025 Unity Cup in London, bringing back Super Eagles stalwart Ahmed Musa for the first time in over a year.
The Kano Pillars forward, who last featured for Nigeria in January 2024, reclaims the captain’s armband in a squad notable for its fringe makeup and heavy local league representation.
With most of the team’s European-based regulars granted off-season rest, Chelle’s selection offers a glimpse into Nigeria’s transitional depth ahead of World Cup qualifying resumption.
Absent are Victor Osimhen, Victor Boniface, Calvin Bassey, Ademola Lookman, and Alex Iwobi names that have formed the team’s spine since the 2023 AFCON. In their place, nine players from the Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) make the cut, many of whom have featured for the CHAN team.
One of the most intriguing names is Felix Agu of Werder Bremen, who joins the camp but won’t be eligible for matchday action due to incomplete paperwork. Still, his presence hints at a long-term integration plan under Chelle’s regime.
Unity Cup offers a window into Super Eagles’ next phase
The Unity Cup, a celebration of Afro-Caribbean football heritage runs from May 26 to 31 at the Gtech Community Stadium, home of Brentford FC. Nigeria will face Ghana, Jamaica, and Trinidad & Tobago in a knockout format.
Chelle’s men open their campaign with a clash against eternal rivals Ghana on May 28, a fixture that never lacks edge, no matter the stakes. The Unity Cup, officially sanctioned by FIFA, presents a vital proving ground for fringe players looking to stake a claim before World Cup qualifiers return in September.
There’s also the added incentive of the June 6 international friendly against Russia, which will mark the first senior meeting between the two nations.
NPFL core for London, big names return for Moscow
Eight of the nine home-based players will return to Nigeria after the Unity Cup, with the squad for the Russia friendly expected to take on a more familiar shape.
Victor Boniface, Ola Aina, William Troost-Ekong, and Fisayo Dele-Bashiru are all set to return for the trip to Moscow, while first-choice goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali will sit out the encounter.
Russia vs Nigeria, scheduled for June 6 at the Luzhniki Stadium, will be the hosts’ first appearance at the venue since 2021 and represents a key step in their international rehabilitation.
For Nigeria, currently ranked 43rd in the FIFA rankings, the fixture is more than symbolic. It’s a chance to blend experience and new blood in high-pressure environments, as the build-up to the 2025 AFCON and 2026 World Cup qualifiers gathers steam.
FULL SQUAD LISTS
Unity Cup Squad (May 26–31)
Goalkeepers: Stanley Nwabali, Maduka Okoye, Amas Obasogie
Defenders: Bruno Onyemaechi, Semi Ajayi, Igoh Ogbu, Feany Onyebuchi, Junior Nduka, Sodiq Ismaila, Waliu Ojetoye, Felix Agu (training only)
Midfielders: Wilfred Ndidi, Frank Onyeka, Christantus Uche, Papa Mustapha, Chinemerem Ugwueze, Saviour Isaac
Forwards: Samuel Chukwueze, Moses Simon, Kelechi Iheanacho, Nathan Tella, Cyriel Dessers, Tolu Arokodare, Sikiru Alimi, Ahmed Musa
Cyriel Dessers ends the season in style 🇳🇬!
— The 𝘛ó𝘺ò𝘴í 𝘈𝘧𝘰𝘭á𝘺𝘢𝘯™️ (@Toyosi4layan) May 19, 2025
👟 Scottish Premiership Golden Boot winner with 18 goals for Rangers. Outscored Daizen Maeda & Simon Murray (16 each).
Nigeria’s forgotten No.9 making noise again…
Should he get a recall over Boniface & Sadiq? pic.twitter.com/NjGnckuXni
Russia Friendly Squad (June 6)
Goalkeepers: Maduka Okoye, Amas Obasogie
Defenders: William Troost-Ekong, Ola Aina, Igoh Ogbu, Bright Osayi-Samuel, Bruno Onyemaechi, Semi Ajayi
Midfielders: Wilfred Ndidi, Frank Onyeka, Christantus Uche, Papa Mustapha, Fisayo Dele-Bashiru, Raphael Onyedika
Forwards: Samuel Chukwueze, Moses Simon, Kelechi Iheanacho, Nathan Tella, Victor Boniface, Tolu Arokodare, Sadiq Umar
This squad may not be full strength, but Chelle’s hand is visible; building depth, rewarding local form, and setting the table for the battles to come. The summer starts now.
