Super Eagles head coach Eric Chelle has revealed that the upcoming Unity Cup invitational tournament will serve as a platform to strengthen his squad ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers scheduled for September and October.
The tournament, which will take place in London later this month, will feature Nigeria, Ghana, Jamaica, and Trinidad and Tobago. All matches will be held at the Gtech Community Stadium in Brentford, London.
"We're looking forward to taking part in the Unity Cup as it will give us the chance to try out a few new players in different roles," Chelle told thenff.com. "It will help us strengthen our squad before the matches in September and October."
The 47-year-old coach released his roster for the tournament on Wednesday, notably including several home-based and fringe players. This selection strategy aligns with his stated intention to experiment with different player combinations and roles during the competition.
Nigeria's campaign in the Unity Cup will begin with a highly anticipated clash against eternal rivals Ghana on Tuesday, May 27. The match promises to be a significant test for Chelle's experimental squad as they prepare for the crucial World Cup qualifying fixtures later in the year.
The Unity Cup represents an important opportunity for the Super Eagles to build cohesion and test tactical approaches under Chelle's leadership, as Nigeria continues its preparations for the road to the 2026 FIFA World Cup.