When Super Eagles coach Eric Chelle revealed his squad for the 2025 Unity Cup in London at the end of this month, one thing stood out – 10 players were drafted straight from Nigeria’s top-flight league, the Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL).
This was not a shock to many fans.
Officials at the Nigeria Football Federation told Afrik-foot that Chelle specifically requested to include local league players.
His aim is to give some homegrown talents a taste of playing alongside the national team’s biggest stars ahead of the Africa Nations Championship (CHAN) scheduled for August.
With the Super Eagles set to face Ghana’s Black Stars and either Jamaica or Trinidad and Tobago, it will be exciting to see how these players from the Nigerian league blend with the regular internationals and whether they can help lift the Super Eagles to new heights at the Unity Cup and beyond.
Here are five NPFL stars to watch closely at the Unity Cup.
Papa Daniel – Winger/Midfielder (Niger Tornadoes)
Papa Daniel is one of the standout midfielders in the NPFL and was named in the squad for recent matches against Rwanda and Zimbabwe.
Creative and versatile, Daniel can operate centrally or drift wide, controlling the rhythm of the game.
His performances for Niger Tornadoes over the last two seasons have caught Chelle’s eye, making him a strong candidate to impress in London.
The revelation of this Super Eagles B team is @NigerTornadoes' Papa Daniel.
Proper baller with calmness, confidence, touches and with a spectacular ball distributions.
He was instrumental over the two legs, made an integral part in the team's qualification.
A delight to watch. pic.twitter.com/rCL3rWmcqh
— Olaiya Azeez Lawal (@OlaiyaAzeezLaw1) December 28, 2024
Ismail Sodiq – Full Back (Remo Stars)
Ismail made his Super Eagles debut under former coach Finidi George during a World Cup qualifier in 2024.
Though the team lost that day, Sodiq’s promise shone through. A modern full back with an attacking edge, he’s racked up an impressive 16 assists over two seasons with Remo Stars.
Known for his accurate crosses and willingness to surge forward, Sodiq will be keen to showcase his skills under Chelle’s watchful eye.
Junior Nduka – Centre Back (Remo Stars)
Captain of the reigning NPFL champions Remo Stars, Junior Nduka is a pillar of strength at the back.
He is tough in tackles, dominant in the air, and a natural leader. Nduka also captains Nigeria’s CHAN squad and was key in their recent victory over Ghana to qualify for the tournament.
His knack for scoring from set-pieces could prove valuable at the Unity Cup.
Club legend!
The incredible Nduka Junior ✨#RemoReigns | #WeAreRemoStars | #RemoStarsNPFLChampions https://t.co/nGQTILI92j pic.twitter.com/tjid95IJ00
— Remo Stars Sports Club (@RemoStarsSC) May 13, 2025
Sikiru Alimi – Forward (Remo Stars)
Sikiru Alimi brings experience and savvy to the attack. Having played abroad with Stade Tunisien in Tunisia, he’s now back home helping Remo Stars defend their league title.
He has also had stints with NPFL sides Shooting Stars and Sunshine Stars in the past.
Not the fastest striker, Alimi compensates with smart positioning, excellent hold-up play, and clinical finishing, a combination that has earned him the fans’ affection.
He was part of the 2021 CHAN qualifiers and remains a regular for this year’s squad as they get set to head out to the CHAN in August.
Ahmed Musa – Forward/Winger (Kano Pillars)
The captain of the Super Eagles, Ahmed Musa, needs little introduction.
Returning home from Europe to his boyhood club, Kano Pillars, Musa has shown he still has plenty to offer.
With 10 goals and 4 assists this season, the 32-year-old veteran has proven he still has it in him.
The Unity Cup offers Musa the chance to make his mark under Chelle, who hasn’t yet called on him since taking charge.
