Unity Cup: Arokodare, Iheanacho Out, Moffi, Durosinmi, Oseni In

Unity Cup: Arokodare, Iheanacho Out, Moffi, Durosinmi, Oseni In

By BSN Sports 

Eric Chelle has omitted forwards Kelechi Iheanacho and Tolu Arokodare from Nigeria’s squad for the upcoming Unity Cup in London, BSNSports.com.ng reports.

Iheanacho had been tipped for a return to the Nigeria national football team following a strong run of form at Scottish club Celtic, where he has scored four goals in his last three appearances. Despite his resurgence, Chelle decided against recalling the striker as he continues to restructure the squad ahead of future international competitions.

Instead, the Super Eagles coach extended invitations to emerging forwards Owen Oseni of Plymouth and Rafiu Durosinmi, who currently plays for Italian side Pisa.

Arokodare was also left out despite recent appearances in the English Premier League with Wolverhampton Wanderers. Chelle opted to recall Terem Moffi, who recently celebrated a league title triumph in Portugal during his loan spell at FC Porto.

Nigeria’s attack for the Unity Cup is expected to be led by Moffi alongside Oseni and Durosinmi, while Femi Azeez has also been included among the attacking options.

Moffi is likely to spearhead the Super Eagles’ frontline in the absence of Victor Osimhen. The forward missed Nigeria’s Africa Cup of Nations campaign earlier due to inactivity following his departure from Nice amid reported issues with supporters of the French club.

Oseni’s inclusion is regarded as one of the major surprises in the squad announcement. However, sources close to the team indicated that Chelle has been impressed by the striker’s pressing ability, movement, work rate and aggressive attacking style, as well as his goal contributions this season.

Durosinmi has also remained under consideration by the coaching crew despite struggling for consistency since joining Pisa in January. The striker was previously named in Nigeria’s provisional squad for the Africa Cup of Nations before failing to make the final selection.

Nigeria will open their Unity Cup title defence against Zimbabwe national football team, with victory potentially setting up a final against either India national football team or Jamaica national football team.

Chelle has repeatedly stated that the Unity Cup will provide an opportunity to evaluate fringe players, emerging talents and prospects from the Nigeria Premier Football League as he continues to shape his preferred squad for upcoming major tournaments.