As the 2025 Unity Cup kicks off, Super Eagles head coach Eric Chelle has handed starting roles to three home-based players while experienced forward Ahmed Musa begins on the bench. The high-stakes fixture against Ghana's Black Stars offers fresh faces a chance to shine.
- NPFL players Sodiq Ismaila, Papa Daniel Mustapha, and Sikiru Alimi make their Super Eagles debut.
- European-based Igoh Ogbu (Slavia Prague) also earns his first cap.
- Stanley Nwabali starts in goal, preferred over Maduka Okoye.
- The lineup includes veterans Wilfred Ndidi, Frank Onyeka, and returning forward Cyriel Dessers.
- Ahmed Musa was left out of the starting XI.
Formation & Lineup:
Coach Chelle deploys a 4-3-1-2 setup:
GK: Stanley Nwabali
DEF: Sodiq Ismaila, Semi Ajayi, Igoh Ogbu, Bruno Onyemaechi
MID: Wilfred Ndidi, Papa Daniel Mustapha, Frank Onyeka
ATT: Samuel Chukwueze, Sikiru Alimi, Cyriel Dessers
Ghana XI (4-3-3):
Benjamin Asare, Gideon Mensah, Stephan Ambrosius, Aaron Essel, Mamudu Kamaradini, Razak Simpson, Abdul Samed Salis, Majeed Ashimeru, Christopher Bonsu Baah, Jordan Ayew (C), Kwame Opoku.
Coach Chelle’s bold choices signal a tactical experiment and a possible generational shift. The inclusion of local talent in a major derby reflects a renewed emphasis on domestic development, though questions remain on experience and cohesion.
All eyes are on Chelle’s revamped squad as they take on Ghana in what promises to be a high-octane Unity Cup showdown.
