Top 5 players to watchout from Nigeria’s Squad for Unity Cup 2026

Wilfred Ndidi makes his name in the Nigeria squad

The Nigeria football team are ready to participate in the Unity Cup 2026, a tournament which they have completely dominated over the last editions. The Super Eagles have won all three editions of the Unity Cup that have happened so far, which includes the first-ever edition in 2002 as well as the most recent one in 2025.

As a result, they’re definitely the favourites to win the Unity Cup 2026, which also includes India, Zimbabwe and Jamaica. Nigeria, who have failed to qualify for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, will treat this tournament as some pre-World Cup action as they are poised to face Zimbabwe in the semi-final.

They could meet India in the final if the Blue Tigers defeat Jamaica, or perhaps in the third-place playoff if both teams end up losing their semi-final encounter.

Eric Chelle has named an interesting squad for the Unity Cup, which includes a mixture of players with high experience levels and some talents who have impressed at the local leagues of Nigeria as well.

Despite there being some notable absentees from the squad, in this article we look at the five best players to watchout from Nigeria for the Unity Cup 2026.

5. Terem Moffi

Terem Moffi has built up quite a decent reputation in European football, being able to play for many notable teams like OGC Nice, FC Lorient, before most recently joining Portuguese side FC Porto in January 2026.

The 26-year-old is a dynamic forward who scored two goals in 15 appearances for the Portuguese giants in the second half of the 2025-26 season, including one against Stuttgart in the UEFA Europa League Round of 16.

With 19 caps under his belt for Nigeria, Moffi has managed to score four goals for the Super Eagles and prove himself as a pretty mobile player who impresses with his link-up play and finishing inside the box. With a lot of experience under his belt, he’ll look to excel for Nigeria in the Unity Cup and prove why he deserves more playing time under Eric Chelle.

4. Raphael Onyedika

With well over 150 appearances for Club Brugge under his belt, Raphael Onyedika has proven himself as a sturdy midfielder who is capable of thriving under the pressure of European football. The 25-year-old is coming off a pretty rigorous 2025-26 campaign, in which he made 42 appearances for Brugge and even scored two goals in the UEFA Champions League – including scoring against Atletico Madrid!

Onyedika will now look to hold down the fort in the Nigerian midfield in the Unity Cup, putting his expertise and experience levels to good use.

Onyedika will need to play a key role in protecting his backline from trouble with his sturdy defensive work, and also push his side forward with clever line-breaking passes. He’ll aim to help Nigeria dominate the games to push their way to success and retain the Unity Cup title.

3. Akor Adams

A player who can potentially steal the show for Nigeria at the 2026 Unity Cup is their striker Akor Adams, who enjoyed a pretty efficient 2025-26 season with La Liga side Sevilla. The hard-working striker has been able to score 10 goals in the 2025-26 La Liga campaign, as well as providing three assists for his side.

Adams has scored key goals that have allowed Sevilla to drag themselves out of the relegation zone, and Adams is now gaining more popularity for his heroics for the Super Eagles as well. The 25-year-old forward has scored five goals in 13 appearances for the Nigerian side so far, which includes a goal in a 1-1 draw against Iran earlier this year.

Adams will be looking to make good use of his impressive change of pace, off-the-ball movement and finishing prowess to torment defenders and help his side dominate in the Unity Cup.

2. Moses Simon

When it comes to sheer experience levels for the Nigeria squad for the 2026 Unity Cup, Moses Simon is the most experienced campaigner chosen by Eric Chelle.

The 30-year-old forward is definitely versatile enough to play all across the frontline, being able to operate in both the wide positions and as a striker as well.

Predominantly a left-winger, Simon managed six goal contributions (three assists, three goals) for Paris FC in the 2025-26 Ligue 1 campaign – scoring against the likes of Marseille and AS Monaco. Simon has gained 96 caps for Nigeria, scoring 12 goals for them.

The unpredictable winger will look to be a nightmare for the defenders at the Unity Cup, using his pace and trickery to get his side into the prime areas.

He’ll need to be efficient with his finishing and final third passes to light up Nigeria’s play, helping them produce some highly entertaining football.

1. Wilfred Ndidi

Wilfred Ndidi is a player who should be pretty popular with those following the Premier League, as the hard-working midfielder played for Leicester City for many years after their legendary Premier League title win.

Ndidi joined the Foxes in 2017 and went on to play for them until 2025, making well over 250 appearances for the English side. Ndidi is the chosen leader for Nigeria at the 2026 Unity Cup, having enjoyed a decent 2025-26 season with Besiktas.

The 29-year-old has already amassed 77 appearances for Nigeria and plays a key role in how they operate in the midfield. Ndidi will look to be an engine for them in midfield, making use of his high energy levels, ball-winning skill and slick passing to drive them into the key areas.

Ndidi will need to be at his proactive best to help the Super Eagles entertain fans and compellingly win the Unity Cup.

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