Chelle Commended for Selecting NPFL Players in Super Eagles Unity Cup Squad

Former Strasbourg defender Godwin Okpara has weighed in on the inclusion of Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) players in the Super Eagles squad for the 2026 Unity Cup, Afrik-Foot reports.

Nigeria head coach Eric Chelle has faced criticism for overlooking domestic league talent since taking charge in 2025, yet he has given opportunities to several NPFL stars ahead of this year’s Unity Cup.

Chelle initially called up seven home‑based players – Michael Atata, Aderemi Adeoye, Tosin Oyedokun, Chibueze Oputa, Obinna Igboke, Elias Ochobi and Ayobami Junior. After AIK youngster Zadok Yohanna withdrew when the Swedish club blocked his participation, the number rose to eight when Tijani Al‑Ameen was added as a replacement.

The Super Eagles continued their dominance in the competition, extending their unbeaten run and securing a fourth consecutive Unity Cup title.

Super Eagles stars Femi Azeez and Terem Moffi. Copyright: xManjitxNarotrax IMAGO

Nigeria defeated Zimbabwe 2‑0 in the semi‑finals, with debutant Femi Azeez scoring both goals. In the final, Alhassan Yusuf netted a brace alongside a Terem Moffi goal as the Super Eagles cruised to a 3‑0 victory over Jamaica.

Okpara hails NPFL’s inclusion in Super Eagles

Eric Chelle previously invited home‑based players for the 2025 edition of the tournament and again used the Unity Cup to assess fresh talent, with several players hoping to strengthen their case for future call‑ups to the national side.

Super Eagles celebrates scoring. Copyright: xPhilxHutchinsonxImago

While some NPFL stars earned their senior international debuts, Rangers duo Chibueze Oputa and Obinna Igboke impressed in the full‑back positions with composed performances despite lacking prior international experience.

Speaking in an exclusive interview with Afrik‑Foot, Okpara praised Chelle for giving local players a platform to showcase their abilities and expressed hope that they would continue to receive opportunities with the national team.

“That’s a very good thing. During our days, if you remember, the only player we had then was Thompson Oliha (may his soul rest in peace),” the former PSG defender told Afrik‑Foot.

Super Eagles. Copyright: xToyinxOshodixImago

“He was the only home‑based player who could bench foreign‑based players, and this is what Chelle is trying to emulate now. It is a good thing, and I’m happy to see home‑based players trying to rise and compete with the foreign‑based players.”

Following their Unity Cup triumph, the Super Eagles will now shift focus to upcoming international friendly matches against Poland and Portugal later this month, before beginning their campaign for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers in September.

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Ayomide Oguntimehin

Editor Site Coordinator

Ayomide Oguntimehin is a CAF‑accredited sports journalist and Editor at Soccernet.ng & Afrik Foot. Ayomide has worked with Sports Brief, Naija News and served as Social Lead Editor at Legit.ng. He has also featured on Goal, TVC News, Sports Mole, Topmercato, and Milan News24, among others. He holds a master’s degree and is currently pursuing a PhD. Follow Ayomide on X: @ayo_oguntimehin.