Terem Moffi has set the tone for Nigeria’s Unity Cup campaign, declaring that the Super Eagles’ focus for Tuesday’s opening match against Zimbabwe is simple: win.
Key takeaways
- Terem Moffi says Nigeria will approach the Unity Cup opener with a single aim—victory.
- Moffi brings 19 senior international caps into Eric Chelle’s squad and is expected to lead the attack.
- Nigeria’s preparations included an official training session at Charlton Athletic’s The Valley.
- Zimbabwe previously held Nigeria to 1-1 draws in both fixtures of the 2026 World Cup qualifiers.
- The Unity Cup also includes Jamaica and India, with their match scheduled for tomorrow.
Unity Cup opener: Moffi’s message and Chelle’s preparations
The Porto forward is among the more experienced figures in Eric Chelle’s squad, and his presence is expected to be central from the first whistle. With Akor Adams and Victor Osimhen both unavailable, Moffi is likely to carry the main attacking responsibility as Nigeria get their tournament underway.
Before the match, Chelle oversaw the team’s official session on Monday at Charlton Athletic’s The Valley. In total, 20 players took part as the squad sharpened its readiness for today’s opener.
Zimbabwe test and past World Cup qualifier results
Nigeria know Zimbabwe will pose a serious challenge. The two sides met twice during the 2026 World Cup qualifying campaign, and although Nigeria were viewed as strong favourites for both matches, each contest finished level—outcomes that proved damaging to the Super Eagles’ qualification push.
Zimbabwe hosted Nigeria in Huye, Rwanda, before the return match in Uyo. Both games ended 1-1, setting the backdrop for what Nigeria expect to be another competitive encounter.
Despite those earlier dropped points, Moffi says he is not approaching the contest with any lingering concerns. He believes the Super Eagles are prepared to handle whatever Zimbabwe bring.
Speaking to journalist Austin Okon-Akpan via Soccernet, Moffi said: “It doesn’t make it a difficult game, and there are no hard feelings. We are just here to play another match against Zimbabwe, so we will approach it to win. And we will win.”
Camp impressions and squad list for the Unity Cup
Moffi’s confidence appears to reflect the mood inside the camp as well. He has been encouraged by the contribution from Nigeria’s domestic league players during the London training camp, which began on Saturday. The training group includes seven players from the NPFL, drawn from Shooting Stars, Ikorodu City, Rivers United, and the newly crowned champions Enugu Rangers.
“The boys from the domestic league have been excellent,” Moffi added. “We could see their quality from the very first minute. This is exactly what the Super Eagles need, a healthy mix of foreign and home-based talent.”
The Unity Cup schedule also features Jamaica and India, who are set to meet tomorrow.
Squad list
Goalkeepers: Francis Uzoho (Omonia FC, Cyprus); Arthur Okonkwo (Wrexham FC, England); Michael Atata (Ikorodu City)
Defenders: Chibuike Nwaiwu (Trabzonspor, Turkey); Igoh Ogbu (Slavia Prague, Czech Republic); Tijani Al Ameen (Shooting Stars); Obinna Igboke (Enugu Rangers); Elias Ochobi (Rivers United); Chibueze Oputa (Enugu Rangers)
Midfielders: Tochukwu Nnadi (Olympique Marseille, France); Alhassan Yusuf (New England Revolution, USA); Aderemi Adeoye (Ikorodu City); Samson Tijani (FK Dukla Prague, Czech Republic); Ayobami Junior (Shooting Stars); Tosin Oyedokun (Ikorodu City)
Forwards: Philip Otele (Hamburger SV, Germany); Owen Oseni (Plymouth FC, England); Terem Moffi (FC Porto, Portugal); Rafiu Durosinmi (Pisa FC, Italy); Femi Azeez (Millwall FC, England)
