Uzoho to captain Eagles tonight in opening match of Unity Cup against Zimbabwe

OMONIA Nicosia goalkeeper Francis Uhozo will captain Nigeria tonight when the Super Eagles face the Warriors of Zimbabwe in the opening game of the Unity Cup taking place in London at Charlton Athletic's Valley Ground.

At 7.30pm tonight, Nigeria will face Zimbabwe in the opening game and then go on to face the winner of the Jamaica vs India game if they qualify for the final on May 30. Following the massive success of the 2025 edition, which saw Nigeria crowned champions at Brentford, the 2026 tournament marks a sentimental return to The Valley, where it was last hosted in 2004 when Nigeria also won the trophy beating Ireland and Jamaica.

Super Eagles head coach Eric Chelle has invited 27 players to prosecute this tournament but not all of them have been able to report to camp as many of the players were still playing league matches this weekend. Of those who have reported to camp, Uzoho is the most senior, so it has been decided that he will wear the captain's armband tonight.

Uzoho, 27, has been capped 37 times by Nigeria and has received the nod to start in goal ahead of  Wrexham’s Arthur Okonkwo and Ikorodu City's Michael Atata. Zimbabwe captain, Marvellous Nakamba said the players are in positive mood ahead of the clash as they have prepared well for the match.

Nakamba said: “We’ve been preparing well for the match against Nigeria. I think everyone is pushing each other in training, morale is high, we are looking forward to the game and hopefully, Zimbabweans will come out in their numbers to support us.”

Always favourable to Nigeria, the Unity Cup will see the Super Eagles participating alongside Jamaica, Zimbabwe and India. This year's tournament will see Nigeria trying to defend the trophy she won last year after defeating Jamaica on penalties following a 2-2 draw in regulation time.