Samson Tijani, the former Golden Eaglets captain, is being closely monitored by Super Eagles head coach Eric Chelle ahead of Nigeria’s participation in the 2026 Unity Cup in London later this month. The 23-year-old midfielder, currently playing for Czech top-flight club Dukla Prague, is seen as a potential candidate for a national team recall after showcasing consistent performances in Europe. Chelle’s focus on including players from both domestic and foreign leagues for the Unity Cup has placed Tijani among those under consideration for a return to the senior squad.
Tijani’s journey to the top has been marked by resilience and determination. After a challenging spell at Austrian giants Red Bull Salzburg, where injuries hampered his progress, he joined Dukla Prague in 2025. Since then, he has become a key figure in the club’s midfield, earning praise for his composure, vision, and work rate. His performances in the Czech league have rekindled interest in his international prospects, especially as Nigeria seeks to strengthen its midfield options for upcoming tournaments.
Tijani first rose to prominence when he captained Nigeria at the 2019 FIFA U-17 World Cup in Brazil. His standout performance included scoring twice in a 4-2 win over Hungary during the group stage, a match that highlighted his leadership and technical ability. That tournament earned him a move to Europe, where he began his professional journey with several loan spells across Austria and Norway before settling in the Czech Republic.
He made his senior debut for the Super Eagles in October 2020, playing in Nigeria’s 1-0 defeat to Algeria in an international friendly. Despite that appearance, he has remained on the fringes of the national team setup, often overlooked due to inconsistent playing time and injury setbacks. However, his current form with Dukla Prague has reignited hopes of a return to the national fold.
Chelle has emphasized that the Unity Cup will serve as a platform for emerging and returning talents to prove their worth. This open-door policy has given players like Tijani a renewed chance to impress. A recall would not only boost his personal career but also signal Nigeria’s commitment to integrating players from diverse leagues into the national team framework.
Tijani’s potential return would mark a significant chapter in his career, reflecting his comeback after years of setbacks. As Nigeria prepares for the Unity Cup, his performances could influence future squad selections, particularly in midfield roles where depth and versatility are crucial. The coming weeks will be pivotal in determining whether Tijani secures a place in the Super Eagles’ plans for the future.
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