Eric Chelle Opens Super Eagles Door To NPFL stars, New Diaspora Talent For Unity Cup

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 Head  coach Éric Chelle has signalled a wider selection net for Nigeria ahead of the 2026 Unity Cup, confirming that Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) standouts and uncapped players abroad will get their chance in London in May.

The invitational tournament will be staged at The Valley, home of Charlton Athletic, from 26 to 30 May, 2026. Nigeria will defend the title won last year against India, Jamaica and Zimbabwe.

Chelle said the competition offers the perfect window to assess fresh options outside the FIFA international calendar while senior players prepare for high-profile 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,” Chelle said.

He confirmed that established names will return for the friendlies against Portugal and Poland 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,” the Franco-Malian added.

The Unity Cup which is in its fourth edition, brings together countries with strong diaspora communities in London. The Super Eagles of Nigeria and Jamaica enter as leading contenders, with Zimbabwe and India completing the line-up.

According to The Times of India, India’s inclusion marks a milestone as the Asian side prepare for their first appearance in the tournament. Their last tour of England came in 2002 when Bhaichung Bhutia captained the team during a series of fixtures that included a match against Jamaica.

The competition will follow a knockout format. Nigeria face Zimbabwe in the opening semi-final, a rematch after recent World Cup qualifying meetings. Jamaica will take on India in the second semi-final. The winners will meet in the final on 30 May.