The Super Eagles are set to face Zimbabwe in the first semi-final of the Unity Cup on Tuesday.
Nigeria, defending champions of the four-nation tournament, will battle the Warriors of Zimbabwe at Charlton Athletic Stadium, also known as The Valley, in London.
The Super Eagles and Zimbabwe are no strangers to each other. In the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers, both teams played out 1-1 draws in their two meetings.
Nigeria have failed to defeat the Southern African side in their last three encounters, with all matches ending in draws.
Tuesday’s fixture will see two African teams clash in the Unity Cup, while the other semi-final will feature India against Jamaica on Wednesday.
Ahead of the game, Super Eagles coach Eric Chelle held training sessions with 20 players. The Franco-Malian tactician has named separate squads for the Unity Cup and the team’s June international friendlies against Portugal and Poland.
Several established stars are absent from the squads, but a number of new players have earned opportunities.
Among them is Wrexham goalkeeper Arthur Okonkwo, who recently switched his international allegiance from England to Nigeria.
Others invited include defenders Emmanuel Fernandez and Igoh Ogbu; midfielders Raphael Onyedika, Tochukwu Nnadi and Ebenezer Akinsanmiro; as well as striker Rafiu Durosinmi.
Some Nigeria Premier Football League players also made the squad, including Michael Atata, Elias Ochobi, Chibueze Oputa, Obinna Igboke, Aderemi Adeoye, Ayobami Junior and Tosin Oyedokun.
Despite the absence of several key players, Nigeria head into the tournament in decent form.
The Super Eagles narrowly lost to Morocco in the semi-final of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations before finishing third in the competition.
They have since recorded a 2-1 friendly victory over Iran and a draw against Jordan.
Zimbabwe will also enter the encounter with confidence after winning their last two matches since their exit from the group stage of the 2025 AFCON.
The Warriors defeated Botswana 3-0 and edged Zambia Under-23s 1-0 during the March international window.
Kick-off for Tuesday’s semi-final is scheduled for 7:30 p.m. Nigerian time.
If Nigeria progress, they will face either India or Jamaica in the final of the competition.
