Eric Chelle, head coach of the Super Eagles, has expanded Nigeria’s squad for the upcoming Unity Cup tournament in London by adding two new players, Yira Sor of KRC Genk and Tijani Al Ameen of Shooting Stars SC. The Malian tactician had initially named a 27-man squad for the four-nation competition, which includes Nigeria, Zimbabwe, India, and Jamaica. With the latest additions, the squad now stands at 28 players as the Super Eagles prepare to defend their Unity Cup title.
Sor, a winger who had a strong season with KRC Genk in Belgium, will get another chance to impress Chelle after failing to make a significant impact during Nigeria’s friendly against Jordan in March. His inclusion comes amid the unavailability of Zadok Yohanna, a promising youngster from Swedish club AIK, whose club reportedly refused to release him due to ongoing commitments. This development opens the door for Sor to showcase his abilities on the international stage once again.
Tijani Al Ameen’s call-up further boosts the representation of Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) players in the squad. His inclusion raises the number of home-based stars to eight, reflecting Chelle’s commitment to integrating domestic talent into the national team setup. Prior to this, the coach had already selected several NPFL stars including Tosin Oyedokun, Aderemi Adeoye, and Michael Atata from Ikorodu City.
Other home-based players in the squad include Chibueze Oputa and Obinna Igboke from Rangers International, as well as Elias Ochobi from Rivers United. These selections highlight the growing importance of NPFL players in Nigeria’s international football strategy, especially as the Super Eagles gear up for crucial 2027 AFCON qualifiers.
The Unity Cup, set to begin later this month in London, serves as a key preparatory event for Nigeria’s upcoming international fixtures. Chelle is expected to use the tournament to assess player form, test tactical approaches, and build team cohesion ahead of more demanding matches. The competition also offers valuable experience for younger and less-experienced players in the squad.
As Nigeria aims to retain the Unity Cup title, the expanded squad provides Chelle with greater flexibility and depth. The inclusion of Sor and Al Ameen adds quality and competition for places, which could prove vital in shaping the team’s performance. The tournament will be closely watched as a barometer of Nigeria’s readiness for the challenges ahead in the 2027 AFCON qualifiers.
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