Nigeria Vs Zimbabwe: Chelle Leads 20-Man London Training Session

nigeria vs zimbabwe moved one step closer on Monday evening, when the Super Eagles held official training at Charlton Athletic Stadium, known as The Valley, in London. Eric Chelle ran the session ahead of Tuesday’s 2026 Unity Cup opener, with 20 players on the pitch and a squad that had already seen Nigeria and Zimbabwe split two qualifying meetings 1-1.

The Valley Session

Chelle oversaw the workout as Nigeria settled into the venue that will frame the start of their tournament. The group included three goalkeepers — Francis Uzoho, Arthur Okonkwo and Michael Atata — along with six defenders, six midfielders and five forwards, giving the coach a full working group for the match buildup.

Igoh Ogbu, Chibueze Oputa, Chibuike Nwaiwu, Obinna Igboke, Tijani Al-Ameen and Elias Ochobi trained in defense. Alhassan Yusuf, Tochukwu Nnadi, Samson Tijani, Aderemi Adeoye, Junior Ayobami and Tosin Oyedokun worked in midfield, while Terem Moffi, Philip Otele, Rafiu Durosinmi, Owen Oseni and Femi Azeez were listed among the forwards.

Qualifying History

The meeting carries a sharper edge because the sides already finished level in their 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifying group. Zimbabwe hosted Nigeria in Huye, Rwanda, before Nigeria hosted Zimbabwe in Uyo, and both matches ended 1-1.

That shared record leaves the opener with a familiar opponent and no separation between the two teams from qualifying. The Unity Cup also includes Jamaica and India, with Jamaica and India scheduled to play on Wednesday.

London Opener

For Nigeria, the practical next step is straightforward: Tuesday brings the first match of the 2026 Unity Cup, and the London training session was the last clear preparation detail before kickoff. Chelle has a 20-player group to sort through, and the selection room is already shaped by the two draws that came before this meeting.