Super Eagles preparations for the 2026 Unity Cup gathered momentum on Saturday as 14 players, including goalkeeper Arthur Okonkwo, arrived at the team’s camp in London.
The players, made up of Europe-based professionals and Nigeria Premier Football League stars, took part in their first training session at Cray Valley FC, Middle Park Avenue, as head coach Eric Chelle began preparations for the tournament.
Okonkwo, a former Arsenal academy product, joins the camp after an impressive season with Wrexham, where he kept 10 clean sheets in 39 league appearances. His inclusion has generated attention following the absence of regular Super Eagles goalkeepers Stanley Nwabali and Maduka Okoye from the Unity Cup squad.
Also among the players already in camp are Millwall forward Femi Azeez, Plymouth Argyle attacker Owen Oseni, FC Porto striker Terem Moffi, Marseille midfielder Tochukwu Nnadi and Hamburger SV winger Philip Otele.
The home-based contingent includes Junior Ayobami, Al-Ameen Tijani, Michael Atata, Adeoye Aderemi, Oputa Chibueze, Ighoke Obinna, Ocholi Elias and Oyedokun Tosin.
Nigeria, defending champions of the Unity Cup, will begin their campaign against Zimbabwe in the first semi-final on Tuesday, May 26.
The competition, scheduled to run from May 26 to May 30 at The Valley Stadium, home of Charlton Athletic, will also feature Zimbabwe, India and Jamaica.
Meanwhile, captain Wilfred Ndidi, Moses Simon, Raphael Onyedika, Bruno Onyemaechi, Akor Adams, Francis Uzoho and Yira Sor are among players still expected to join the camp ahead of the tournament.
