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The Super Eagles of Nigeria will kick off their Unity Cup title defence with a semifinal showdown against Zimbabwe as the four-nation tournament gets underway in London.

Nigeria won the last edition of the competition and will return this year aiming to retain the trophy in a tournament that also features Jamaica and India. The Unity Cup is scheduled to run from May 26 to May 30.

The semifinal clash between Nigeria and Zimbabwe will take place on Tuesday, May 26, at The Valley in London, with kick-off slated for 7:30 p.m. Nigerian time.

The Super Eagles head into the encounter hoping to end a frustrating run against the Warriors after drawing each of their last three meetings.

The competition is also expected to serve as an important testing ground for new players and tactical ideas ahead of future international assignments.

Super Eagles head coach, Eric Chelle, has already stated that the Unity Cup is about more than just winning silverware.

According to the Malian tactician, the tournament forms part of Nigeria’s rebuilding process ahead of future competitions, including the qualifiers for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations.

Chelle is expected to use the tournament to assess new talents and strengthen the depth of the national team. His recently announced squad reflected that approach, with several fresh faces included in the 27-man list.

Nigeria opened preparations for the competition on Saturday evening with 14 players taking part in the team’s first training session. Those initially present in camp included Junior Ayobami, Al Ameen Tijani, Michael Alata, Adeoye Aderemi, Oputa Chibueze, Igboke Obinna, Elias Ocholi, Tosin Oyedokun, Philip Otele, Arthur Okonkwo, Femi Azeez, Owen Oseni, Tochukwu Nnadi, and Terem Moffi.

Goalkeeper Francis Uzoho later joined the camp alongside Chibuike Nwaiwu and Rafiu Durosinmi, while more senior players were still expected to arrive. Among those yet to report at the time were Wilfred Ndidi, Moses Simon, Raphael Onyedika, Bruno Onyemaechi, Yira Sor, Akor Adams, Emmanuel Fernandez, and Ebenezer Akinsanmiro.

Zimbabwe, meanwhile, will head into the competition with a youthful squad selected by interim manager Tembo. Experienced trio Marvelous Nakamba, Marshall Munetsi, and Gerald Takwara are the most capped players in the Warriors setup, each with 38 appearances for the national team.

The Zimbabweans will however be without Tino Kadewere due to injury, while Bill Antonio and Divine Lunga have also withdrawn from the squad. In response, Isheanesu Mauchi, Prosper Padera, and Washington Navaya were drafted in as replacements. Abubakar Moffat could also make his senior international debut during the tournament.

The winner between Nigeria and Zimbabwe will advance to the Unity Cup final, where they will face either Jamaica or India on May 30 at The Valley in Charlton, south-east London.

Fans in Nigeria will be able to watch the match live on SuperSport via DStv.

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Tottenham Hotspur secured Premier League survival on a dramatic final day of the season, while West Ham United were relegated after 14 years in the top flight.

Spurs went into their final match against Everton needing at least a draw to guarantee safety, with only goal difference separating them from West Ham.

João Paulinha gave Tottenham a crucial breakthrough just before half-time, easing tension at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium and putting Spurs in control of their survival battle.

West Ham, meanwhile, were also fighting for survival in their own fixture against Leeds, knowing only a strong result combined with other outcomes could save them.

Valentín Castellanos briefly raised hopes for the Hammers by giving them the lead, but it was not enough to overturn their situation in the table.

Late goals from Jarrod Bowen and Callum Wilson were insufficient as West Ham’s 14-year stay in the Premier League came to an end.

Tottenham held firm to secure the result they needed, completing a dramatic escape from relegation on the final day of the campaign.

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Rangers International F.C. have etched their name deeper into Nigerian football history after defeating Ikorodu City F.C. 2-1 on Sunday to win the 2025/2026 Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) title.
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‎The victory at the Mobolaji Johnson Arena secured Rangers’ ninth league crown, drawing them level with Enyimba F.C. as the most successful clubs in NPFL history.

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‎The encounter, widely regarded as the standout fixture of the final matchday, lived up to expectations as both sides approached the contest with everything at stake.
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‎Rangers arrived in Lagos knowing that only victory would guarantee them the title, with second-placed Rivers United F.C. waiting to capitalise on any slip from the league leaders.
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Ikorodu City, meanwhile, also had plenty to fight for, as a win would significantly boost their hopes of securing continental football next season.
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‎The Flying Antelopes began brightly and eventually found the breakthrough in the 30th minute through captain Chidiebere Nwobodo, who finished calmly to hand the visitors a deserved lead.
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‎Rangers maintained control for large spells of the opening half and carried their 1-0 advantage into the break.
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‎The Enugu side resumed the second half with renewed attacking intent, repeatedly testing the Ikorodu City defence in search of a second goal.

Their pressure paid off in the 55th minute when Nwobodo struck again, completing his brace and sending Rangers supporters into wild celebrations.
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‎However, the hosts responded almost immediately.
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‎Ikorodu City pulled one back three minutes later through Moses Ali, setting up a nervy finish and raising the intensity inside the stadium.
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‎The goal ensured a tense final stretch for Rangers, who knew that anything short of victory could hand the title to Rivers United, who were already cruising to a comfortable win over Katsina United F.C. in Port Harcourt.
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‎Despite mounting pressure from the hosts, Rangers held firm to preserve their 2-1 lead until the final whistle, sparking jubilant scenes among players and fans, who broke into chants of “Holy, Holy, Holy, Enugu Rangers is another champion”.
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‎The victory capped one of the most dramatic final-day title races in recent NPFL history, with Rangers ultimately finishing ahead of Rivers United, who defeated Katsina United 3-0 but fell just short in the championship race.
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‎Both Rangers and Rivers United will represent Nigeria in next season’s CAF Champions League, while Shooting Stars S.C. secured a CAF Confederation Cup spot after finishing third.
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‎At the other end of the table, there was a major shock as defending champions Remo Stars F.C. suffered relegation after ending the campaign in 17th position.
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Elkanami Warriors, Bayelsa United F.C. and Wikki Tourists F.C. were the other teams relegated, finishing 18th, 19th and 20th respectively.
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‎Rangers’ triumph marks another landmark achievement for the Coal City club and further cements their place among Nigeria’s football elite.