Eric Chelle picks his starting XI for Saturday’s Unity Cup final against Jamaica, and with Femi Azeez’s brace against Zimbabwe still fresh in the memory, the question is whether the coach makes changes or backs the side that did the job in the semi-final, Footynaija.com reports.
The big names remain absent. Osimhen, Lookman, Ndidi and Akor Adams are all rested ahead of the Poland and Portugal friendlies in June, so this XI is drawn entirely from a squad built for development and experimentation.
Here is how it could look.
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Goalkeeper: Arthur Okonkwo
Started against Zimbabwe on debut, handled himself with calm authority throughout. No reason to change.
Right-back: Chibueze Nwaiwu
Naturally more defensive and disciplined in possession, Nwaiwu gives Chelle balance at the back while allowing the attacking players ahead of him more freedom to push forward against Jamaica.
Centre-back: Emmanuel Fernandez
The Rangers defender has been one of the breakout stars of the Scottish Premiership season and brings composure and reading of the game that stands out even in this squad.
Centre-back: Elias Ochobi
Starting Elias Ochobi in the Unity Cup final against Jamaica would be a bold and exciting move for the Super Eagles. As the highly-rated young Rivers United left-back prepares for the showdown, there is a very strong tactical case for head coach Eric Chelle, who has trusted players from the NPFL, to give him the starting nod.
Left-back: Bruno Onyemaechi
The Olympiakos left-back is the most natural option in that position from the confirmed squad, bringing European experience and the ability to combine with the wide players ahead of him.
Defensive midfield: Tochukwu Nnadi
His screening role in front of the backline is central to how Chelle wants the team to function. Nnadi’s positioning against Jamaica’s counter-attacking threat will be one of the key battles of the final.
Central midfield: Raphael Onyedika
The Club Brugge midfielder brings Champions League experience and the composure on the ball to control tempo against a Jamaica side that will look to press and disrupt.
Central midfield: Ebenezer Akinsanmiro
Ebenezer Akinsanmiro has a strong claim for a starting spot in the final against Jamaica national football team. The match is an ideal opportunity to hand the 21-year-old Inter Milan loanee his first real breakthrough on the big stage.
Right wing: Femi Azeez
After his brace in the semi-final, dropping him would be difficult to justify. Chelle is unlikely to ignore that kind of confidence and directness heading into a final, especially from a player who constantly attacked defenders and stretched the game whenever Nigeria broke forward.
Striker: Rafiu Durosinmi
Expected to lead the line in Osimhen’s absence, occupying centre-backs and linking play to bring others into the game.
Left wing: Moses Simon
The most experienced attacker in the squad remains one of Nigeria’s safest options in wide areas. Simon’s delivery, movement, and decision-making give Chelle balance on the left, while his experience in tight international matches could prove vital against Jamaica’s physical approach.
Kick-off at The Valley is 7:30pm WAT on Saturday.
