Arthur Okonkwo’s long-awaited first invitation to the Super Eagles has emerged as the biggest talking point after Eric Chelle released his squad for the upcoming Unity Cup and international friendlies in Europe.

The Wrexham shot-stopper and former Arsenal academy product receives his first Super Eagles call-up since formalising his switch of allegiance to Nigeria. The 23-year-old has been one of the more consistent performers in the Championship this past season, and Chelle has wasted little time putting him to work. Okonkwo joins Francis Uzoho and home-based Ikorodu City custodian Michael Atata in the goalkeeping ranks, with the notable absence of Stanley Nwabali yet again.

Congratulations to Arthur Okonkwo on receiving his first call up to the Nigeria squad ahead of the Unity Cup 👏

🔴⚪️ #WxmAFC pic.twitter.com/GSeFJC1iw1

— Wrexham AFC (@Wrexham_AFC) May 19, 2026

The Unity Cup itself gets underway on May 26 at The Valley, Charlton Athletic’s ground in south-east London, with Nigeria opening against Zimbabwe. Victory there books a place in the final on May 30 against the winner of the Jamaica-India semi-final on the 27th. Nigeria are the reigning champion, having edged past Ghana and Jamaica at Brentford’s Gtech Community Stadium in last year’s edition.

Beyond Okonkwo, there are several fresh faces worth noting. Emmanuel Fernandez of Glasgow Rangers comes into the defensive set-up, while local football gets a meaningful nod through three NPFL call-ups: Ikorodu City’s Aderemi Adeoye and Tosin Oyedokun, and Shooting Stars midfielder Ayobami Junior. Rivers United’s Elias Ochobi and Enugu Rangers duo Obinna Igboke and Chibueze Oputa also feature among the new invitees on the defensive end.

THE NATIONAL TEAM TRIO 🇳🇬

3️⃣ of your #OgaBoys have been called up to the Super Eagles of Nigeria for the Unity Cup in London.

Congratulations Michael Atata, Tosin Oyedokun and Aderemi Adeoye. Proud of you lads! 💥 #WeAreIkoroduCityFC pic.twitter.com/5HUJQHUxm9

— IkoroduCityFC (@IkoroduCityFC) May 20, 2026

In attack, Millwall’s Femi Azeez earns his maiden call-up off a strong Championship campaign, joining the likes of AIK’s Zadok Yohanna, Plymouth’s Oseni Owen, and Rafiu Durosinmi of Pisa in getting opportunities to impress.

The established spine of the team remains intact. Wilfred Ndidi captains the side from midfield, supported by Raphael Onyedika, Tochukwu Nnadi, and Ebenezer Akinsanmiro. Up front, Moses Simon, Terem Moffi, and Akor Adams provide the experience  Chelle will lean on.

Your #SuperEagles squads for the #2026UnityCup and June Friendlies 📋 pic.twitter.com/akoS3NlCoB

— 🇳🇬 Super Eagles (@NGSuperEagles) May 20, 2026

After the Unity Cup, attention turns to the international friendlies next month against Portugal and Poland ahead of the 2026 World Cup. A 24-man squad list was simultaneously released alongside the Unity Cup roster, featuring senior players like Victor Osimhen, Ademola Lookman, Alex Iwobi, Maduka Okoye, Calvin Bassey, and others.

Nigeria’s Full 27-Man Squad for the Unity Cup

Goalkeepers: Francis Uzoho (Omonia FC, Cyprus), Arthur Okonkwo (Wrexham FC, England), Michael Atata (Ikorodu City, Nigeria).

Defenders: Bruno Onyemaechi (Olympiacos, Greece), Emmanuel Fernandez (Glasgow Rangers, Scotland), Chibuike Nwaiwu (Trabzonspor, Turkey), Igoh Ogbu (Slavia Prague, Czech Republic), Obinna Igboke (Enugu Rangers, Nigeria), Elias Ochobi (Rivers United, Nigeria), Chibueze Oputa (Enugu Rangers, Nigeria).

Midfielders: Wilfred Ndidi (Besiktas, Turkey), Raphael Onyedika (Club Brugge, Belgium), Tochukwu Nnadi (Olympique Marseille, France), Ebenezer Akinsanmiro (Pisa SC, Italy), Alhassan Yusuf (New England Revolution, USA), Samson Tijani (FK Dukla Prague, Czech Republic), Aderemi Adeoye (Ikorodu City, Nigeria), Ayobami Junior (Shooting Stars, Nigeria), Tosin Oyedokun (Ikorodu City, Nigeria).

Forwards: Moses Simon (Paris FC, France), Akor Adams (Sevilla FC, Spain), Philip Otele (Hamburger SV, Germany), Oseni Owen (Plymouth FC, England), Zadok Yohanna (AIK, Sweden), Terem Moffi (FC Porto, Portugal), Rafiu Durosinmi (Pisa SC, Italy), Femi Azeez (Millwall FC, England).