Osimhen, Lookman absent as Chelle names Super Eagles squad for Unity Cup, Russia friendly

Conspicuously missing on the list made public on Wednesday by the Nigeria Football Federation are key forwards Victor Osimhen and Ademola Lookman.

Osimhen, a former African Footballer of the Year, recently helped Galatasaray secure a domestic double, lifting both the Turkish Super Lig title and the Turkish Cup.

Despite his success, the striker is expected to leave the Istanbul-based club this summer and is believed to be prioritising discussions around his future.

Similarly, reigning African Footballer of the Year, Ademola Lookman, has enjoyed an impressive campaign with Atalanta in Serie A.

However, sources close to the player suggest he is also eyeing a move away from the Bergamo outfit, as he seeks a new challenge after a demanding season.

Unity Cup squad features NPFL talents

For the Unity Cup—featuring Nigeria, Ghana, Jamaica, and Trinidad & Tobago—Coach Chelle has selected 25 players, blending foreign-based professionals with standout performers from the Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL).

The tournament, billed as a celebration of football and cultural unity, will be held at the Gtech Community Stadium in Brentford, West London.

Moses Simon, in fine form for FC Nantes in France, headlines the attacking call-ups alongside Ahmed Musa, Kelechi Iheanacho, Nathan Tella, and Samuel Chukwueze.

Also returning is Stanley Nwabali, who impressed at the last Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON).

In midfield, Wilfred Ndidi, Frank Onyeka, and Chrisantus Uche will be joined by promising local talents such as Papa Daniel Mustapha and Collins Ugwueze.

The defence is bolstered by West Brom’s Semi Ajayi and Olympiacos defender Bruno Onyemaechi, while the home-based contingent includes Junior Harrison Nduka (Remo Stars) and Waliu Ojetoye (Ikorodu City).

The Unity Cup kicks off on 27 May with Trinidad & Tobago facing Jamaica.

Nigeria will clash with long-time rivals Ghana on 28 May in a fixture loaded with historical tension and continental bragging rights.

The final and third-place matches are scheduled for 31 May.

Russia Friendly: Ekong, Boniface, Aina return

For the June 6 international friendly against Russia at Moscow’s Luzhniki Stadium, Chelle has assembled a more experienced 21-man squad, drawing from the Unity Cup list and adding seasoned names.

Team captain William Troost-Ekong headlines the defence, alongside Ola Aina and Bright Osayi-Samuel.

Midfield reinforcements include Raphael Onyedika and Lazio’s Fisayo Dele-Bashiru, while Victor Boniface and Sadiq Umar are set to spearhead the attack.

Both squads offer a glimpse into Chelle’s rebuilding vision for the Super Eagles, with an eye on upcoming competitive fixtures later in the year.

While the absence of Osimhen and Lookman is notable, their exclusion underscores a summer of change, both for club and country.

Full Squad Lists

Unity Cup Tournament (London):

Goalkeepers:

Stanley Nwabali (Chippa United, SA)

Maduka Okoye (Udinese, Italy)

Amas Obasogie (Singida Blackstars, Tanzania)

Defenders:

Bruno Onyemaechi (Olympiacos, Greece)

Semi Ajayi (West Brom, England)

Igoh Ogbu (Slavia Prague, Czech Rep.)

Junior Harrison Nduka (Remo Stars)

Ifeanyi Onyebuchi (Enugu Rangers)

Sodiq Ismaila (Remo Stars)

Waliu Ojetoye (Ikorodu City)

Midfielders:

Wilfred Ndidi (Leicester, England)

Frank Onyeka (Augsburg, Germany)

Chrisantus Uche (Getafe, Spain)

Papa Daniel Mustapha (Niger Tornadoes)

Saviour Isaac (Enugu Rangers)

Collins Ugwueze (Enugu Rangers)

Forwards:

Moses Simon (FC Nantes, France)

Samuel Chukwueze (AC Milan, Italy)

Kelechi Iheanacho (Middlesbrough, England)

Nathan Tella (Bayer Leverkusen, Germany)

Cyriel Dessers (Rangers, Scotland)

Tolu Arokodare (KRC Genk, Belgium)

Sikiru Alimi (Remo Stars)

Ahmed Musa (Kano Pillars)

Adamu Abubakar (Plateau United)

Training Invitee:

Felix Agu (Werder Bremen, Germany)

Russia Friendly (Moscow):

Goalkeepers:

Maduka Okoye (Udinese, Italy)

Amas Obasogie (Singida Blackstars, Tanzania)

Defenders:

William Ekong (Al-Kholood, Saudi Arabia)

Olaoluwa Aina (Nottingham Forest, England)

Bright Osayi-Samuel (Fenerbahce, Turkey)

Bruno Onyemaechi

Semi Ajayi

Igoh Ogbu

Midfielders:

Wilfred Ndidi

Frank Onyeka

Raphael Onyedika (Club Brugge, Belgium)

Fisayo Dele-Bashiru (Lazio, Italy)

Chrisantus Uche

Papa Daniel Mustapha

Forwards:

Victor Boniface (Bayer Leverkusen, Germany)

Samuel Chukwueze

Moses Simon

Kelechi Iheanacho

Nathan Tella

Tolu Arokodare

Sadiq Umar (Valencia, Spain)