In the coming hours, Super Eagles boss Eric Chelle is expected to unveil the Nigeria squad for the engagements in May and June – and there’s a lot more on the line than just friendlies.
Nigeria will participate in the Unity Cup this May – a symbolic mini-tournament against Ghana, Jamaica, and Trinidad & Tobago aimed at strengthening ties between African and Caribbean nations.
Next month, the Eagles also face Russia in Moscow. While these games carry no competitive weight, for Chelle, they are priceless.
They represent a crucial opportunity to reshape the identity of the Super Eagles, test fresh legs, and build chemistry ahead of crucial World Cup qualifiers in September.
Reports suggest as many as 12 Nigeria Premier Football League players could make the cut, with some overseas stars like Victor Osimhen and Ademola Lookman expected to be rested or unavailable. That opens the door for fringe players to make a serious case – and possibly cement a long-term place in the team.
Here are five players who deserve that opportunity:
1. Cyriel Dessers – Nigeria’s most in-form striker in Europe not named Osimhen
Dessers finished the 2024/25 season as the Scottish Premiership top scorer, banging in 18 goals and contributing two assists for Rangers.
It was a season of redemption and consistency for the 30-year-old, who has had to play second fiddle in the national team setup despite his productivity across Europe over the years.
Since pledging allegiance to Nigeria over Belgium, Dessers has only made six Super Eagles appearances, scoring twice. He was omitted from the AFCON squad last year as Nigeria won silver. With Osimhen likely missing out this time, there’s no better opportunity for Chelle to unleash Dessers and evaluate his suitability in Nigeria’s system.
Strong in link-up play, intelligent with his movement, and calm in front of goal, Dessers is ready for a proper Super Eagles audition.
2. Chuba Akpom – The forgotten forward who keeps delivering
In 2023, Akpom stunned English football by winning the Championship Golden Boot with Middlesbrough. A move to Ajax followed, and now, at Lille, the forward continues to show he belongs at the top level.
Despite receiving FIFA clearance to represent Nigeria five years ago, Akpom is yet to be capped. That omission feels increasingly odd given his ability to play across the frontline – either as a No.9, a second striker, or even from the left.
At 28, Akpom is in his prime. His physicality, technical feet, and late runs into the box add variety to Nigeria’s attacking options. These friendlies offer the perfect stage to test his international readiness and finally end the wait for a debut.
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3. Arthur Okonkwo – Wrexham’s wall and Nigeria’s future between the sticks?
If form and potential are the criteria, Okonkwo must make Chelle’s squad.
The 23-year-old has just helped Wrexham achieve back-to-back promotions, finishing the League One season with 14 clean sheets and earning plaudits for his agility, composure, and commanding presence. A product of Arsenal’s Hale End Academy, Okonkwo also has European experience under his belt from his spell at Sturm Graz, where he lifted the Austrian Cup.
With Francis Uzoho out of favour and Maduka Okoye the only established name in top-flight European football, now is the time to integrate Okonkwo into the fold. He’s got youth, pedigree, and match-winning performances on his résumé – and could eventually become Nigeria’s undisputed No.1 if nurtured properly.
4. Christantus Uche – La Liga’s Nigerian revelation
In 2023, Christantus Uche was playing in Spain’s fourth tier. Fast-forward one year, and he’s now a midfield regular at Getafe, with four goals and over 30 appearances in La Liga this season.
Uche’s journey has been nothing short of miraculous, but it’s not just about the story – the substance is there too. He's tactically flexible, able to play deep, operate as a No.8, or even push forward. His ability to press, recycle possession and transition quickly is tailor-made for modern international football.
With Nigeria lacking midfield balance in recent months, Uche could be Chelle’s surprise weapon – a player who brings both grit and guile in the middle of the park.
5. Igoh Ogbu – The centre-back built for the future
Eric Chelle already seems to like what he sees in Igoh Ogbu, having invited him for the last World Cup qualifiers. Though he didn’t make his debut, the Slavia Prague centre-back has since helped his side clinch the Czech league title and has drawn interest from clubs in Germany and France.
Tall, aggressive, and strong in duels, Ogbu is a modern centre-back who doesn’t shy away from playing out from the back. With William Troost-Ekong and Semi Ajayi entering their twilight years, now is the time to start grooming a new generation. Ogbu, 24, is well-placed to lead that line.
Unity Cup or not, these friendlies matter.
They offeran important glimpse into what Eric Chelle’s Super Eagles could look like in the coming years. While stars like Osimhen and Lookman rest, it’s time for the likes of Dessers, Akpom, Okonkwo, Uche, and Ogbu to step out of the shadows and stake their claim.
Because if Nigeria wants to compete at the very top again, the future has to start now.
