The Super Eagles trained on Monday evening at Charlton Athletic Stadium, also known as The Valley, in London, with Eric Chelle overseeing a 20-player session ahead of Tuesday’s Nigeria vs Zimbabwe meeting in the 2026 Unity Cup opener.
Francis Uzoho, Arthur Okonkwo and Michael Atata were in goal, while Igoh Ogbu, Chibueze Oputa, Chibuike Nwaiwu, Obinna Igboke, Tijani Al-Ameen and Elias Ochobi featured among the defenders. Alhassan Yusuf, Tochukwu Nnadi, Samson Tijani, Aderemi Adeoye, Junior Ayobami and Tosin Oyedokun worked in midfield, with Terem Moffi, Philip Otele, Rafiu Durosinmi, Owen Oseni and Femi Azeez among the forwards.
Tuesday’s match comes after Nigeria and Zimbabwe played out 1-1 draws in both of their 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifying meetings. Zimbabwe hosted one of those matches in Huye, Rwanda, before Nigeria hosted the other in Uyo, and the Unity Cup now brings the two sides together again in a tournament that also includes Jamaica and India.
That backdrop gives the opener a sharper edge than a normal group match. Nigeria have already seen Zimbabwe twice in the qualifying cycle and both times the game ended level, which leaves little mystery about how closely matched the sides have been. Jamaica and India are scheduled to play on Wednesday, keeping the four-team competition moving immediately after Nigeria’s first test.
