Nigeria’s preparations for the Unity Cup in London have taken an exciting turn after coach Eric Chelle handed a first senior Super Eagles invitation to Plymouth Argyle striker Owen Oseni, Footynaija reports.
After attracting interest from both the Republic of Ireland and Ivory Coast, the 23-year-old forward is set to commit to the three-time African champions.
Born in Waterford to a Nigerian father and an Ivorian mother, Oseni was eligible to represent three different countries. However, the striker has now chosen Nigeria, with the Nigeria Football Federation moving quickly to secure his commitment ahead of this month’s Unity Cup at The Valley in London.
Oseni earned the opportunity after an impressive campaign with Plymouth Argyle, where he scored 10 goals and provided five assists in 33 appearances across all competitions. His pace, movement and strength in attacking areas made him one of the club’s most reliable attacking players during the 2025-26 season.
Waterford native Owen Oseni has been called up to the Nigeria senior squad for the upcoming Unity Cup as per @SportsPeteO
— Reptracker | Conor McEvoy (@reptracker) May 8, 2026
Oseni, who has never been capped at any level for Ireland, has impressed this season with Plymouth Argyle in League One, with his form now earning… pic.twitter.com/9TCkDM8Owg
There are no eligibility concerns surrounding the striker because he already possesses a Nigerian passport and has never represented Ireland or Ivory Coast at youth or senior level. That allowed Chelle to include him immediately in his plans for the tournament.
The Unity Cup is expected to serve as an important testing ground for Nigeria before international friendlies against Poland and Portugal in June. Oseni’s invitation therefore offers him a major chance to prove himself on the senior international stage for the first time.
Happy Birthday, Owen Oseni!
— Argyle Life / Green & White Podcast (@ArgyleLife1886) May 7, 2026
3️⃣3️⃣ Games. 1️⃣0️⃣ Goals – so far!
What have you made of Oseni during his first season in Green? 🤔 #pafc pic.twitter.com/eM54FVGScY
His rise to this moment has been steady rather than sudden. Oseni started out in Ireland with Villa FC and Waterford, where his performances at youth level quickly stood out. He won the League of Ireland Under-19 Player of the Month award in April 2022 after a prolific spell in front of goal.
A move to Derby County’s academy followed in 2023, while loan spells at Nuneaton Borough and Rushall Olympic gave him valuable senior experience. He later exploded into form at Gateshead, scoring 13 league goals in 24 National League matches before earning moves to St Mirren and then Plymouth Argyle.
Now, after years of gradual progress across Ireland, England and Scotland, Oseni has the opportunity to wear Nigeria’s green and white colours for the first time as the Super Eagles face Zimbabwe in the Unity Cup semi-final on May 26.
