Soccer
Super Eagles head coach Eric Chelle has announced Nigeria’s starting lineup for their 2026 Unity Cup opener against Zimbabwe, Soccernet.ng reports.
The match, scheduled to take place at The Valley in Charlton, London, will be Nigeria’s first outing since last month’s friendly against Jordan in Antalya, Turkey.
After missing out on qualification for the World Cup, the Super Eagles will be aiming to bounce back and extend their strong record in the Unity Cup, having won all three previous editions.
Soccer Here is the confirmed Super Eagles XI for the Zimbabwe clash:
Goalkeeper: Arthur Okonkwo
Wrexham goalkeeper Arthur Okonkwo makes his debut for the Super Eagles and starts ahead of Francis Uzoho in goal.
Right-back: Chibueze Oputa
Enugu Rangers defender Chibueze Oputa also makes his debut for Nigeria, days after winning the NPFL with the Enugu-based club, on the right side of the defence.
Centre-back: Chibuike Nwaiwu
Trabzonspor centre-back Chibuike Nwaiwu is handed his first start for Nigeria in a new-look defence. His only previous appearance came as a substitute for Ogbu in the victory over Iran in March.
Centre-back: Igoh Ogbu
Igoh Ogbu comes into the team for his 10th appearance for the Super Eagles and will partner Nwaiwu at the heart of the defence. He also featured in both matches during the March international window against Iran and Jordan.
Left-back: Obinna Igboke
Another Enugu Rangers player in the lineup, Obinna Igboke makes his debut at the left-back position for the Super Eagles.
Central Midfield: Tochukwu Nnadi
Tochukwu Nnadi makes his first start for Nigeria and only his second appearance overall. His only previous cap came as a substitute during the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations victory over Uganda. He has been tasked with shielding the defence alongside Samson Tijani.
Central Midfield: Samson Tijani
Samson Tijani partners Nnadi in midfield, making only his second appearance for the Super Eagles. The Dukla Prague midfielder last featured for Nigeria in a friendly against Algeria in 2020 and will bring composure and ball-winning ability to protect the new-look defence.
Central Midfield: Alhassan Yusuf
MLS-based Alhassan Yusuf makes his ninth appearance for the Super Eagles and his first since March 2025, in a new-look midfield alongside Nnadi and Tijani.
Left Wing: Philip Otele
Philip Otele makes his second appearance for Nigeria after coming on as a late substitute against Jordan in March and now has another opportunity to impress Eric Chelle on the wings.
Right Wing: Femi Azeez
Millwall winger Femi Azeez makes his national team debut following an impressive campaign in the EFL Championship, where his side narrowly missed out on promotion to the Premier League. He now has the chance to shine and stake a claim for a regular place in the team.
Striker: Terem Moffi
Terem Moffi is tasked with leading the line for the Super Eagles against Zimbabwe on his 20th appearance and also captains the side in the absence of Victor Osimhen and Wilfried Ndidi.
Confirmed Starting XI: Okonkwo (GK), Oputa, Igboke, Nwaiwu, Ogbu, Nnadi, Tijani, Yusuf, Azeez, Otele, Moffi (C).
Substitutes: Uzoho, Atata, Oyedokun, Adeoye, Elias, Durosinmi, Oseni, Ayobami, Tijani.
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