Unity Cup: Eric Chelle Announces Super Eagles’ Starting Lineup to Face Zimbabwe
- Super Eagles head coach Eric Chelle has confirmed his starting lineup to face Zimbabwe in the Unity Cup
- Nigeria will begin the defence of their Unity Cup title against the Warriors at The Valley, the home of Charlton
- If Nigeria overcome the Southern African country, they will face the winner of the India vs Jamaica in the final
Super Eagles head coach Eric Chelle has confirmed his starting lineup to face Zimbabwe in the first match of the 2026 Unity Cup.
Nigeria will start the defence of their Unity Cup crown against the Warriors of Zimbabwe on Tuesday, May 26, 2026, at 7.30 pm at The Valley in Charlton.
Source: Getty Images
A final awaits the winner, as they will face the winner of the second match between India and Jamaica, or a third-place playoff match between the losers.
Chelle announces Super Eagles' lineup
Chelle has confirmed his lineup to face Zimbabwe, and there are debuts for six players, including Enugu Rangers duo Chibueze Oputa and Obinna Igboke.
Wrexham goalkeeper Arthur Okonkwo is thrown straight into action for his Super Eagles debut ahead of the highly experienced Francis Uzoho.
FC Porto striker Terem Moffi is the most experienced player in the starting lineup with 20 appearances, accounting for 50% of all players on the pitch.
Confirmed Starting XI: Arthur Okonkwo (GK), Chibueze Oputa, Obinna Igboke, Chibuike Nwaiwu, Igoh Ogbu, Tochukwu Nnadi, Samson Tijani, Alhassan Yusuf, Femi Azeez, Philip Otele, Terem Moffi (C).
Substitutes: Francis Uzoho, Michael Atata, Tosin Oyedokun, Aderemi Adeoye, Ochobi Elias, Rafiu Durosinmi, Owen Oseni, Junior Ayobami, Al Ameen Tijani.
Zimbabwe's starting 11
As noted by Athlon Sports, Tawanda Chirewa, who scored the equaliser against Nigeria in Uyo in March 2025, starts for the Warriors.
Starting 11: Future Sibanda; Shane Maroodza, Munashe Garanga, Jordan Zemura, Corbin Mthunsi; Marvelous Nakamba, Jonah Fabisch; Marshall Munetsi, Sean Fusire, Tawanda Chirewa, Junior Zindoga.
Substitutes: Marley Tavaziva, Emmanuel Jalai, Isheanesu Mauchi, Abubakar Moffat, Mongameli Tshuma, Prosper Padera, Godknows Murwira, Washington Navaya, Daniel Msendami, Gerald Takwara.
Key actions from the match
Millwall star Femi Azeez opened the scoring for Nigeria in the fifth minute, marking a remarkable debut with a goal, which was enough for Nigeria to lead at halftime.
Azeez scored his second in the 62nd minute, combining with captain of the day Terem Moffi to give Nigeria a 2-0 win and advance to the final.
Source: Getty Images
Rafiu Durosinmi, Owen Oseni and Tosin Oyedokun all made their debuts off the bench as Nigeria sealed the win and will face the winner of India vs Jamaica in the final.
Okonkwo impressed on his debut, making a couple of saves to keep a clean sheet against the Warriors, and avoid a late concession like the last time the two teams faced.
Where to watch Nigeria vs Zimbabwe
Legit.ng previously reported where to watch the Nigeria vs Zimbabwe match in the semi-final of the 2026 Unity Cup at The Valley in Charlton, England.
The match will be available across multiple streaming platforms, which have secured the hosting rights, and live commentary on the official channels.
Proofreading by Funmilayo Aremu, copy editor at Legit.ng.
Source: Legit.ng
