Eric Chelle has revealed that the 2026 Unity Cup will serve as an opportunity to test new players of Nigerian descent as well as top performers from the Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL).
In fresh quotes shared on the official Super Eagles X page, the head coach said he plans to scout both Europe-based talents and domestic players ahead of the summer tournament.
Nigeria, who won the 2025 edition, will return for this year’s Unity Cup scheduled to take place from May 26 to May 30 at The Valley in London.
The Super Eagles will face Zimbabwe in the semifinals, and could meet either Jamaica or India in the final if they advance.
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“The Unity Cup provides a platform to assess new players. I will comb Europe and invite players of Nigerian descent, alongside those previously called up who haven’t featured,” Chelle said.
“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,” he added.
After the tournament, Nigeria will take on Poland and Portugal in international friendlies on June 3 and June 10.
Chelle noted that those matches will feature his first-team players, with the aim of improving Nigeria’s FIFA ranking, where they currently sit 26th in the world and third in Africa.
“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,” Chelle revealed.
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