Camp update: Chelle welcomes Ogbu and Yusuf as Super Eagles intensify preparations for Zimbabwe clash

Super Eagles midfielders Alhassan Yusuf and defender Igoh Ogbu have arrived in London at the national team camp ahead of the 2026 Unity Cup, bringing the total number of players in camp to 19 as preparations intensify for the tournament in the United Kingdom.

Their arrival strengthens Eric Chelle’s squad, with Yusuf adding energy and balance to midfield while Ogbu boosts defensive depth with his physicality and composure.

Both players have joined an evolving camp that is steadily taking shape ahead of Nigeria’s opening fixture against Zimbabwe.

Nigeria began their preparations with an initial training session on Saturday evening, where 14 players were already in action.

Those present included Junior Ayobami, Al Ameen Tijani, Michael Alata, Adeoye Aderemi, Oputa Chibueze, Igboke Obinna, Elias Ocholi, Tosin Oyedokun, Philip Otele, Arthur Okonkwo, Femi Azeez, Owen Oseni, Tochukwu Nnadi and Terem Moffi.

The group has since expanded to 17 following the arrivals of Francis Uzoho, Chibuike Nwaiwu, and Rafiu Durosinmi, who further strengthened the squad in key areas across goalkeeping, defence and attack.

The subsequent arrivals of Alhassan Yusuf and Igoh Ogbu have now taken the total to 19 players in camp, with more expected to join in the coming days.

In the build-up to the clash with Zimbabwe, the Super Eagles will hold their pre-match press conference at 11am at the Charlton Athletic Stadium, with head coach Eric Chelle and goalkeeper Francis Uzoho scheduled to address the media.

The team will also conduct an official training session at 4pm at the same venue, giving the technical crew a final opportunity to fine-tune tactics and assess player readiness ahead of the semifinal encounter.

Several high-profile invitees are still expected to join camp in the coming days, including Emmanuel Fernandez, Bruno Onyemaechi, Wilfred Ndidi, Yira Sor, Raphael Onyedika, Ebenezer Akinsanmiro, Moses Simon and Akor Adams.

Nigeria, the defending Unity Cup champions, will begin their title defence with a semifinal clash against Zimbabwe on Tuesday, May 26, in London.

The match is expected to serve as an important test for Chelle as he continues to shape his team ahead of upcoming international commitments.

With the squad gradually nearing completion, the Super Eagles are building momentum and cohesion ahead of what promises to be a competitive tournament in London.