Super Eagles: Chelle praised for NPFL selections in Unity Cup squad

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

Nigeria head coach Eric Chelle has often faced criticism for overlooking players from the domestic league since taking charge of the Super Eagles in 2025 and he handed opportunities to several NPFL stars ahead of this year’s Unity Cup.

Chelle initially invited seven home-based players – Michael Atata, Aderemi Adeoye, Tosin Oyedokun, Chibueze Oputa, Obinna Igboke, Elias Ochobi and Ayobami Junior. However, the withdrawal of AIK youngster Zadok Yohanna after the Swedish club blocked his participation, allowed the number to rise to eight after Tijani Al-Ameen was called up as a replacement.

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

Nigeria defeated Zimbabwe 2-0 in the semi-finals, with debutant Femi Azeez scoring both goals. In the final, Alhassan Yusuf netted a brace either side of 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 once again used the Unity Cup as an opportunity to assess fresh talent, with several players hoping to strengthen their case for future call-ups to the Super Eagles.

While some of the NPFL stars made their senior international debuts, Rangers duo Chibueze Oputa and Obinna Igboke particularly impressed in the full-back positions with composed performances despite their lack of previous international experience.

Speaking in an exclusive interview with Afrik-Foot, Okpara commended Chelle for giving local players a platform to showcase their abilities and hoped 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.

“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 their focus to upcoming international friendly games against Poland and Portugal later this month, before beginning their campaign for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers in September.