Osimhen, Lookman missing as Nigeria unveils Super Eagles squad for Unity Cup & Russia friendly

Super Eagles head coach Eric Chelle has announced a 26-man squad for Nigeria’s Unity Cup clash against Ghana and a reduced 21-player list for the upcoming friendly against Russia, Footynaija.com reports.

Interestingly, key figures like Victor Osimhen, Alex Iwobi, and Ademola Lookman are missing from the two rosters.

In a surprise move, veteran forward Ahmed Musa, Nigeria’s most-capped player, has been recalled and could feature in what may be his final outings in national colours.

Nigeria open their Unity Cup campaign against long-time rivals Ghana on Wednesday, May 28, before taking on Russia in a high-profile friendly match scheduled for June 6.

The Unity Cup squad includes a mix of seasoned internationals and rising stars.

Roster for the #UnityCup2025 and the International Friendly vs Russia #TheUnityCup2025 #NGARUS #SoarSuperEagles pic.twitter.com/BPc8waTP7r

— Super Eagles (@NGSuperEagles) May 21, 2025

Goalkeepers Stanley Nwabali, Maduka Okoye, and Amas Obasogie will vie for the number one spot. Defensively, Oluwasemilogo Ajayi, Bruno Onyemaechi, Felix Agu, Igho Ogbu, and Waliu Ojetoye provide depth.

Wilfred Ndidi and Frank Onyeka offer midfield stability, while Christantus Uche, Papa Mustapha, Collins Ugwueze, and Saviour Isaac bring youthful energy. Up front, Musa is joined by Samuel Chukwueze, Moses Simon, Nathan Tella, and Cyriel Dessers.

For the Russia fixture, Chelle has opted for a more compact squad. Obasogie retains his place in goal, with Ola Aina, William Troost-Ekong, Bright Osayi-Samuel, Onyemaechi, and Ajayi forming the defensive core.

Ndidi, Onyeka, Uche, Mustapha, Fisayo Dele-Bashiru, and Raphael Yevenda make up the midfield, while Victor Boniface, Tolu Arokodare, Sadiq Umar, Chukwueze, Simon, and Tella complete the forward line.

The notable absence of Osimhen, Lookman, and Iwobi — arguably Nigeria’s most influential players in recent years—has sparked speculation, although the Nigeria Football Federation has yet to provide any clarification.

Musa’s return, however, offers experience and leadership at a crucial time for Chelle’s evolving squad.

Super Eagles squad for Unity Cup

Goalkeepers: Stanley Nwabali, Maduka Okoye, Amas Obasogie

Defenders: Bruno Onyemaechi, Semi Ajayi, Igoh Ogbu, Ifeanyi Onyebuchi, Junior Nduka, Sodiq Ismaila, Waliu Ojetoye, Felix Agu (training only)

Midfielders: Wilfred Ndidi, Frank Onyeka, Christantus Uche, Papa Mustapha, Collins Ugwueze, Saviour Isaac

Forwards: Samuel Chukwueze, Moses Simon, Kelechi Iheanacho, Nathan Tella, Cyriel Dessers, Tolu Arokodare, Sikiru Alimi, Ahmed Musa, Abubakar Adamu

Super Eagles squad for Russia friendly

Goalkeepers: Maduka Okoye, Amas Obasogie

Defenders: William Troost-Ekong, Ola Aina, Igoh Ogbu, Bright Osayi-Samuel, Bruno Onyemaechi, Semi Ajayi

Midfielders: Wilfred Ndidi, Frank Onyeka, Christantus Uche, Papa Mustapha, Fisayo Dele-Bashiru, Raphael Onyedika

Forwards: Samuel Chukwueze, Moses Simon, Kelechi Iheanacho, Nathan Tella, Victor Boniface, Tolu Arokodare, Sadiq Umar