The Nigeria national football team (Super Eagles), are set to begin preparations for the 2026 Unity Cup today in London, with 14 players already arriving in camp ahead of the team’s first training session on Saturday evening.
According to team media officer Promise Efoghe, training is scheduled to begin at 6pm at Cray Valley FC, Middle Park Avenue, London.
The players already in camp include Junior Ayobami, Al Ameen Tijani, Michael Atata, Adeoye Aderemi, Oputa Chibueze, Ighoke Obinna, Ocholi Elias, Oyedokun Tosin, Philip Otele, Arthur Okonkwo, Femi Azeez, Owen Oseni, Nnadi Tochukwu and Terem Moffi.
Head coach Eric Chelle had earlier unveiled a 27 man squad for the tournament, with 12 debutants included as part of plans to test new players ahead of future international assignments.
The Franco Malian tactician had previously explained that the Unity Cup would serve as an opportunity to assess fresh talent while preserving several established senior players for June’s international friendlies against Poland and Portugal.
“The Unity Cup provides a platform to assess new players. I will comb Europe and invite new players of Nigerian descent, alongside those who were previously called up but never got the chance to feature. Top players from the Nigeria Premier Football League will also be considered,” Chelle had said.
That promise was backed up with extensive scouting trips across Nigeria, as Chelle attended league matches at venues including the Remo Stars Stadium in Ikenne, Lekan Salami Stadium in Ibadan, Mobolaji Johnson Arena in Lagos and the Nnamdi Azikiwe Stadium in Enugu before finalising his squad.
The 2026 Unity Cup will run from May 26 to May 30 at The Valley, home of Charlton Athletic FC. The four nation tournament combines football with cultural celebrations and diaspora activities in London.
In addition to the football matches, supporters are expected to enjoy live musical performances and a global food court throughout the competition.
This year’s competition features Nigeria national football team, Jamaica national football team, India national football team and Zimbabwe national football team.
The Super Eagles will face Zimbabwe in the opening semi final on May 26, while Jamaica take on India a day later. The third place playoff and final are both scheduled for May 30.
The Super Eagles head into the tournament as defending champions after defeating Jamaica on penalties following a thrilling 2-2 draw in last year’s final. Nigeria had earlier beaten Ghana national football team 2-1 in the semi final on their way to lifting the trophy.
With FIFA recognition now secured, the Unity Cup continues to grow in importance as a major celebration of football, culture and diaspora communities in London.
