Chelle targets NPFL stars for Unity Cup as Osimhen, Lookman lead Super Eagles vs Portugal, Poland

Super Eagles head coach Eric Chelle has made it clear that this summer will be about both discovery and strength as Nigeria prepare for a busy run of matches across May and June, Soccernet.ng reports.

The Malian tactician is planning to use the 2026 Unity Cup in London as a testing ground, while keeping his biggest names ready for two high-profile friendlies against Poland and Portugal.

Nigeria will begin their schedule on 26 May against Zimbabwe in the Unity Cup semi-final at The Valley, before facing either India or Jamaica in the final or third-place match on 30 May.

The three-time African champions will then travel to Europe for tougher tests, taking on Poland on 3 June in Warsaw and Portugal on 10 June.

Despite the disappointment of missing out on the 2026 FIFA World Cup, Chelle believes this run of fixtures offers a chance to rebuild and grow the Super Eagles squad.

“The Unity Cup provides a platform to assess new players,” Chelle told the NFF Media. “I will comb Europe and invite new players of Nigerian descent, alongside those who were previously called up but never got the chance to feature.

“Top players from the Nigeria Premier Football League will also be considered, as I will be watching a number of domestic league games from now until the end of the season.”

That approach opens the door for several standout performers in the Nigeria Premier Football League. Ikorodu City winger Joseph Arumala, who has scored 12 goals this season, is pushing strongly for inclusion, while Wikki Tourists midfielder Jonathan Mairiga is building a reputation as one of the most reliable attackers in the league. Enugu Rangers forward Godwin Obaje, Katsina United's Uche Collins and Bendel Insurance's Kayode Oke Solomon have also impressed.

There is also excitement around players who are yet to feature for the national team. Goalkeeper Arthur Okonkwo, who has switched allegiance to Nigeria, could make his debut. Young talents like Ebenezer Akinsanmiro and Arsenal teenager Ethan Nwaneri are also being monitored as part of a wider plan to refresh the squad.

Several fringe players will see the Unity Cup as a chance to prove themselves again. Defenders like Igoh Ogbu and Felix Agu, as well as forwards Tolu Arokodare and Cyriel Dessers, are all aiming to secure a more permanent place in the team.

Super Eagles: Big guns for Poland and Portugal tests

While the Unity Cup will focus on experimentation, Chelle has drawn a clear line when it comes to the June friendlies. The matches against Poland and Portugal will feature Nigeria’s strongest available team, as the coach looks to improve the country’s FIFA ranking.

“For the big warm-up games in June against Poland and Portugal, I will feature my first team players. These are games that can push us up the global ranking if we win them,” he said.

That means the return of key figures such as Victor Osimhen, who is expected to lead the attack after recovering from injury, and Ademola Lookman, whose form in Europe has made him one of Nigeria’s most important players. Midfield stability is likely to come from Wilfred Ndidi and Alex Iwobi, while Stanley Nwabali could again see his first choice gloves taken up by Udinese goalie Maduka Okoye.

In defence, Calvin Bassey is expected to anchor the backline, with added competition from returning players. Samuel Chukwueze’s attacking threat will also be important, while goalkeeper Francis Uzoho could be handed another opportunity to impress.

Together, these matches will give Chelle a clearer picture of his squad ahead of future competitive fixtures, balancing the need to build for tomorrow while still competing strongly today.