Forget playing it safe. Éric Chelle is tearing up the script — naming 12 uncapped players for the Unity Cup as Nigeria get ready to defend their crown in London.

Super Eagles boss Éric Chelle isn’t messing about ahead of the 2026 Unity Cup. He’s rolled the dice and picked 12 uncapped players in his 27-man squad, mixing raw home-based talent with a few exciting overseas prospects, cbinews.tv reports.

The tournament kicks off in London on May 26, with Nigeria set to face Jamaica, India and Zimbabwe. And yes, the Super Eagles are the defending champions. Chelle did warn us new faces were coming, and he’s kept his word.

The NPFL gets serious love here, with seven home-based lads earning their first senior call-ups. It’s a clear nod to the players tearing it up domestically. Ikorodu City F.C. lead the way for the local contingent. Keeper Michael Atata — who’s kept a ridiculous 16 clean sheets this season — gets the nod, alongside defender Aderemi Adeoye and midfielder Tosin Oyedokun. Oyedokun’s been tidy too, with four goals and four assists. NPFL champions Rangers International F.C. see Chibueze Oputa and Obinna Igboke called up. Oputa’s been a revelation at the back, racking up six assists — the most by any defender in the league.

Rivers United’s rock-solid Elias Ochobi also makes it, along with 3SC’s creative spark Ayobami Junior. Junior tops the NPFL assist charts with 13 this season. Not bad. But it’s not just about the NPFL boys. Chelle’s cast his net wide.Over in Sweden, 18-year-old winger Zadok Yohanna is one to watch. He’s been flying for AIK Fotboll with two goals and three assists in seven games. Already got European clubs sniffing around. Then there’s Rafiu Durosinmi. Bit of a wildcard pick from Pisa Sporting Club. He hasn’t pulled up trees recently, but Chelle clearly rates his physicality and long-term potential.

The EFL crew also show up strong. Plymouth Argyle’s Owen Oseni gets in after seven goals and five assists in 27 games. Millwall’s Femi Azeez has been electric — 11 goals, eight assists in 35 matches — and Premier League sides are reportedly keen. And in goal, Wrexham A.F.C.’s Arthur Okonkwo joins the party. The former Arsenal youngster kept 10 clean sheets in 39 games and will be pushing hard for a Super Eagles shirt. Chelle’s message is clear: perform and you’ll get your shot.

Now we wait to see if this experimental squad can actually defend the Unity Cup.

Source: cbinews.tv

#UnityCup2026 #SuperEagles #ÉricChelle #NPFL #NigerianFootball #London2026 #IkoroduCity #RangersInt #WrexhamAFC #MillwallFC #AIKFotboll #TeamNigeria #SoarSuperEagles