- Chelle Opens Door for NPFL Stars Ahead of Unity Cup
- Tournament scheduled for May 26 to 30 in London
- Senior players to return for June friendlies against Poland and Portugal
Head coach Éric Chelle has indicated that a broader pool of players will be considered for Nigeria ahead of the 2026 Unity Cup, with standout performers from the Nigeria Premier Football League and uncapped players abroad set to get opportunities.
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EKO HOT BLOG reports that the invitational tournament will take place at The Valley, home of Charlton Athletic, from May 26 to 30, 2026. Nigeria will be defending the title it won last year, with India, Jamaica, and Zimbabwe participating in this year’s edition.
Chelle said the competition provides an opportunity to assess new players outside the FIFA international calendar, while senior players prepare for high profile international friendlies in June.
“The Unity Cup provides a platform to assess new players. 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,” he said.
The coach confirmed that established players will return for upcoming friendlies against Poland and Portugal in June.
“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 added.
The Unity Cup, now in its fourth edition, features countries with strong diaspora communities in London. Nigeria and Jamaica are considered leading contenders, while Zimbabwe and India complete the lineup.
India’s participation marks a notable milestone, as the Asian side prepares for its first appearance in the tournament. Their last visit to England was in 2002 under the captaincy of Bhaichung Bhutia.
The competition will follow a knockout format, with Nigeria facing Zimbabwe in the opening semi final, while Jamaica will take on India. Winners of both fixtures will meet in the final scheduled for May 30.
