By Emmanuel Okogba

Head Coach Eric Chelle has named a strong 26-man squad for Nigeria’s participation in the upcoming Unity Cup and international friendlies, with Wrexham goalkeeper Arthur Okonkwo earning his first call-up since agreeing to play for the Super Eagles.

Okonkwo is one of three goalkeepers invited to the camp as the team prepares for the tournament in London.

For the Unity Cup that will have a semi-final and Final at the Charlton Athletic Stadium (The Valley) between 26th and 30th May, Chelle has selected team captain Wilfred Ndidi, goalkeeper Francis Uzoho, defenders Bruno Onyemaeachi and Igoh Ogbu, forwards Moses Simon, Akor Adams and Terem Moffi, and 20 other players.

The Super Eagles will file out against the Warriors of Zimbabwe at The Valley on Tuesday, 26th May, with victory to propel them to the Final against the winner of the clash between Jamaica and India, which holds at the same venue on Wednesday, 27th May.

The team will also take on Poland and Portugal in high-profile friendly matches scheduled for Europe next month.

Full Squad:

Goalkeepers:
Francis Uzoho (Omonia FC, Cyprus), Arthur Okonkwo (Wrexham FC, England), Michael Atata (Ikorodu City)

Defenders:
Bruno Onyemaechi (Olympiakos, Greece), Emmanuel Fernandez (Glasgow Rangers, Scotland), Chibuike Nwaiwu (Trabzonspor AS, Turkey), Igoh Ogbu (Slavia Prague, Czech Republic), Obinna Igboke (Enugu Rangers), Elias Ochobi (Rivers United), Chibueze Oputa (Enugu Rangers)

Midfielders:
Wilfred Ndidi (Besiktas FC, Turkey), Raphael Onyedika (Club Brugge, Belgium), Tochukwu Nnadi (Olympic Marseille, France), Ebenezer Akinsanmiro (Pisa FC, Italy), Alhassan Yusuf (New England Revolution, USA), Aderemi Adeoye (Ikorodu City), Samson Tijani (FK Dukla Prague, Czech Republic), Ayobami Junior (Shooting Stars), Tosin Oyedokun (Ikorodu City)

Forwards:
Simon Moses (Paris FC, France), Akor Adams (Sevilla FC, Spain), Philip Otele (Hamburger SV, Germany), Owen Oseni (Plymouth FC, England), Zadok Abu Yohanna (AIK, Greece), Terem Moffi (FC Porto, Portugal), Rafiu Durosinmi (Pisa FC, Italy), Femi Azeez (Millwall FC, England)

The Unity Cup will serve as an important tournament for the Super Eagles as they build towards future competitions. Chelle is expected to use the competition to assess several new faces and players returning from injury.