Nigeria’s Super Eagles will begin their 2026 Unity Cup title defence against Zimbabwe on Tuesday at The Valley Stadium in Charlton, London.
FC Porto striker Terem Moffi said the team arrived in camp with confidence and strong determination to secure victory.
The Super Eagles resumed camp at Cray Valley FC in London, where 14 players initially reported before more arrivals increased the squad to 17.
Moffi, one of the senior players in camp with 19 caps, praised the atmosphere inside the team after recent training sessions.
“It’s been top sessions from the boys, and we’re proud to be here, happy to represent the country. We are looking forward to other sessions and the games.”
The striker also praised the home-based players invited by coach Eric Chelle for the Unity Cup competition.
“From the boys back home, top sessions from them. We could see the quality from the get-go. This is what we need in the Super Eagles — a mix of this and that. We love that.”
Nigeria and Zimbabwe recently met during the fifa-world-cup/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers, with both matches ending in draws.
Those dropped points damaged Nigeria’s qualification campaign and increased pressure on the national team setup.
However, Moffi said the squad is approaching Tuesday’s match with a fresh mentality and no emotional baggage.
“There’s no pressure at all. We are just happy to be here to play football, enjoy ourselves and win games.We will win.”
With Victor Osimhen and Akor Adams unavailable, Moffi is expected to spearhead Nigeria’s attack against Zimbabwe.
Chelle Warns Players Against Complacency
Super Eagles coach Eric Chelle used the Unity Cup preparations to send a strong message ahead of the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers.
Nigeria were drawn in Group L alongside Tanzania, Madagascar and Guinea-Bissau.
The qualifiers will take place during FIFA windows in September and November 2026, and March 2027.
Chelle said African football has changed and warned players against underrating supposedly smaller nations.
Super Eagles head coach Eric Chelle
“Tanzania have already qualified for the AFCON, so this is a group of three. If you play a draw, you can have some problems.”
The Franco-Malian coach also referred to Nigeria’s painful 2019 defeat against Madagascar at the AFCON finals in Egypt.
“Madagascar, we know them as a good team because they beat Nigeria in 2019. With Guinea-Bissau, you cannot say there is a small team in Africa now. You have to be focused on every game and every team.”
Chelle also challenged Nigeria Premier Football League players in camp to adapt quickly to his tactical demands.
He singled out Ikorodu City midfielder Tosin Oyedokun for praise after recent training sessions.
“Some of them are good with the ball, like Tosin, who plays for Ikorodu City. The most important thing is that they try to understand what we want for this team.”
Uzoho Guides New Goalkeepers In Camp
Experienced goalkeeper Francis Uzoho has started mentoring newly invited goalkeepers Arthur Okonkwo and Michael Atata.
Coach Chelle handed both players their first senior national team invitations for the Unity Cup tournament.
Uzoho made his Nigeria debut in 2017 during a friendly against Argentina and remains one of the squad’s most experienced players.
The Omonia Nicosia goalkeeper said mental preparation is vital for anyone representing Nigeria.
“It has just been two days with the boys, and I’m trying my best to let them know the importance of them being here. It’s a massive opportunity for them to be here.”
The goalkeeper explained that national team football comes with enormous expectations from supporters across the country.
“Playing for Nigeria comes with so much pressure. They should withstand the pressure because they are good goalkeepers already.”
Uzoho added that mentality often separates players who succeed internationally from those who struggle.
“There are going to be ups and downs, so they should be able to maintain the pressure.”
Nigeria will face either India or Jamaica in the Unity Cup final if they defeat Zimbabwe on Tuesday.
The Super Eagles will later continue preparations with international friendlies against Portugal and Poland.
Why Unity Cup Matters To Nigeria
The Unity Cup has become an important platform for Nigeria to test new players and tactical systems before competitive fixtures.
It also gives home-based stars a rare opportunity to compete alongside Europe-based internationals.
For coach Chelle, the tournament represents an early chance to shape the squad ahead of the AFCON qualifiers.
Nigeria’s recent struggles in World Cup qualification increased scrutiny around the national team and coaching direction.
Consequently, strong performances in London could help restore confidence among supporters before tougher assignments ahead.
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