Nigeria drop Osimhen, Lookman for Ghana showdown in Unity Cup
By Lukman MUMIN, Accra
Nigeria have announced their squad for the upcoming Unity Cup, with several key players set to miss the anticipated showdown with rivals Ghana.
The Nigeria Football Federation released the list ahead of the four-nation tournament in London, confirming that forwards Victor Osimhen and Ademola Lookman will not be part of the travelling group.
Osimhen and Lookman are joined on the absentee list by fellow internationals Alex Iwobi, Joe Aribo, and Calvin Bassey.
Defender Felix Agu will be present for training purposes only and is not expected to feature in the matches.
Their omission paves the way for fringe players and home-based stars to step in, offering a chance to impress ahead of upcoming international qualifiers.
The Unity Cup is scheduled to take place at the G-Tech Community Stadium, home of Brentford FC, from May 28 to 31.
Nigeria, Ghana, Jamaica, and Trinidad and Tobago will compete in the event, which is being used as both a celebratory showcase and a competitive tune-up. Ghana face Nigeria on May 28.
Wilfred Ndidi and Frank Onyeka are among the senior midfielders called up, while Kelechi Iheanacho, Moses Simon, and Samuel Chukwueze will lead the attack.
Rising stars such as Nathan Tella and Cyriel Dessers feature, alongside Nigeria Premier League players Amas Obasogie and Junior Nduka. Ghana’s squad is expected to be named by Otto Addo next week.
