In a notable selection decision, Nigeria’s talismanic forward Victor Osimhen has been left out of the Super Eagles squad for the upcoming Unity Cup tournament in London. Head coach Eric Chelle confirmed that Osimhen, who plays for Galatasaray, has been excused from the squad to manage his workload as Nigeria prepares for a critical football calendar leading up to the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON).
Speaking during the squad announcement, Chelle highlighted the significance of the Unity Cup as a platform to experiment with tactical changes and test emerging talents. “We’re looking forward to taking part in the Unity Cup as it will give us the chance to try out a few new players in different roles, helping us to strengthen our squad before the matches in September and October,” he said.
Iheanacho, Musa, Dessers Headline Big Returns
Kelechi Iheanacho, Cyriel Dessers, and Ahmed Musa are among the big names making a return to the Super Eagles for the Unity Cup. Iheanacho, who had last played for Nigeria in November 2024, has been recalled following improved performances since his loan move to Middlesbrough. Musa, the veteran forward now playing for Kano Pillars in the NPFL, also rejoins the squad after an extended absence.
Perhaps the most celebrated recall is that of Cyriel Dessers, who has enjoyed a prolific season at Rangers, scoring 21 goals in all competitions and topping the Scottish Premier League goal charts with 18 strikes. His return has excited fans who had previously criticized his exclusion despite his club form. Dessers’ last appearance for Super Eagles came in March 2022 in a friendly against Ghana, where he scored in a 2-1 win.
New Faces and NPFL Talent Bolster Super Eagles Squad Depth
Coach Chelle has also handed opportunities to several home-based players who impressed in the Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL). Among them are Junior Harrison Nduka and Sikiru Alimi of Remo Stars, Ifeanyi Onyebuchi and Saviour Isaac of Enugu Rangers, and Adamu Abubakar of Plateau United. These selections underscore Chelle’s intent to broaden the talent pool and integrate local league stars into the national setup.
The Unity Cup, involving Nigeria, Ghana, Jamaica, and Trinidad & Tobago, will be staged at the Gtech Community Stadium in Brentford, West London. Super Eagles will take on Ghana on May 28 in what is expected to be a fierce West African derby, renewing a 74-year-old football rivalry. The third-place playoff and the final will be played on May 31.
Dual Squads Named for Unity Cup and Russia Friendly
In a strategic move, Coach Chelle announced two separate squads: a 25-man team for the Unity Cup and a 21-man squad for a prestigious international friendly against Russia at the Luzhniki Stadium in Moscow on June 6. Notably, 11 players from the Unity Cup roster will also travel to Moscow, where they will be joined by key names such as captain William Troost-Ekong, Ola Aina, and Victor Boniface.
This dual-squad strategy is aimed at giving ample playing time to fringe and returning players while simultaneously building a competitive core for the AFCON qualifiers. The friendly against Russia will serve as a vital test for Nigeria’s top-tier players against European opposition, offering insights into the team’s tactical readiness and depth.
Unity Cup as Springboard for 2025 AFCON Preparation
As Super Eagles ramps up preparations for the 2025 AFCON, the Unity Cup and Russia friendly present a critical opportunity for Coach Chelle to evaluate his options. The tournaments are expected to shape the composition of the team ahead of the qualifiers in September and October. With an exciting blend of returning stars, domestic talents, and consistent performers, the Super Eagles are looking to find balance and chemistry.
While the absence of Victor Osimhen may dominate headlines, the focus remains on building a well-rounded squad capable of challenging for continental glory. With the likes of Dessers, Iheanacho, Chukwueze, and Ndidi leading the charge, Nigeria fans can expect a competitive showing in London and Moscow.
