In a major boost for home-based Nigerian talent, Super Eagles head coach Eric Chelle is set to include at least 12 players from the Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) in his squad for the upcoming Unity Cup Invitational Tournament scheduled to take place in London later this year.
Among those already confirmed is former Super Eagles captain and Kano Pillars forward Ahmed Musa, whose club recently announced his invitation to the prestigious four-nation event.
The Unity Cup will feature Nigeria, Ghana, Jamaica, and Trinidad and Tobago in what promises to be a vibrant display of international football. For Coach Chelle, however, the focus is more strategic—he sees this as a valuable platform to begin early preparations for the 2024 African Nations Championship (CHAN), which is exclusively reserved for players plying their trade in domestic leagues.
Local Stars Get Their Shot on the International Stage
According to reports by SCORENigeria, Eric Chelle is keen to showcase the depth of Nigeria’s homegrown talent and give them exposure to international competition.
“The Unity Cup offers a rare opportunity to test our local talents against strong teams from different regions,” a source close to the coaching crew told Africalivenews. “Coach Chelle is serious about building a solid CHAN squad, and this is the first step.”
In addition to Ahmed Musa, Sikiru Alimi, Nduka Junior, Papa Daniel Mustapha, Ifeanyi Onyebuchi, and Adamu Abubakar are among the local stars expected to make the final list. These players have stood out in the NPFL this season and now have the chance to make an impression on the national stage.
Ahmed Musa’s inclusion, in particular, is both symbolic and strategic. Despite being in the twilight of his career, the veteran forward remains a key figure in Nigerian football and is widely respected for his leadership and experience.
“It’s an honor to be called up once again to represent my country,” Musa said in a brief statement via Kano Pillars’ official channel. “I look forward to working with the younger players and contributing to a successful outing in London.”
Strategic Planning Ahead of CHAN
The decision to focus on domestic-based players is part of Eric Chelle’s long-term plan to build a competitive squad ahead of the CHAN tournament scheduled for early next year. Unlike the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), CHAN is exclusively for players competing in their home leagues, making tournaments like the Unity Cup critical in identifying and grooming potential stars.
Chelle, who was recently appointed head coach of the Super Eagles, has been vocal about his desire to balance experience with youthful energy. This will be his first major opportunity to work extensively with NPFL players since taking over the role.
“CHAN is a major competition, and Nigeria should not only participate but aim to win it,” Chelle said at a recent media briefing. “That begins with identifying the right blend of talent and giving them the international exposure needed to compete at the highest level.”
Unity Cup: A Fusion of Cultures and Football
The Unity Cup Invitational is more than just a football tournament—it is a celebration of unity, diversity, and shared heritage. With Nigeria and Ghana representing West Africa, and Jamaica and Trinidad and Tobago from the Caribbean, the event will also promote cultural exchange among nations with deep historical ties.
The matches will be hosted in London, home to a large African and Caribbean diaspora, and organizers are expecting a festive atmosphere with strong turnout from local fans.
“This tournament is a great initiative to bring communities together through football,” said John Maxwell, a spokesperson for the Unity Cup Organizing Committee. “We’re proud to have these four nations participate, and we’re particularly excited to see the kind of talent that Nigeria will bring.”
The tournament format is expected to feature a round-robin stage followed by a final and third-place match, allowing all teams to play multiple fixtures. This will provide sufficient opportunities for the Super Eagles coaching crew to assess player performance under different conditions.
NPFL Stars to Watch
While the final squad list is yet to be released, several NPFL stars are already in the spotlight:
- Sikiru Alimi (Remo Stars) – Known for his goal-scoring instincts and agility in the box, Alimi is expected to be a key forward option.
- Nduka Junior (Rivers United) – A dynamic midfielder with strong vision and passing accuracy.
- Papa Daniel Mustapha (Enyimba FC) – Offers pace and creativity on the wings, with an eye for goal.
- Ifeanyi Onyebuchi (Bendel Insurance) – Solid in defense, Onyebuchi brings strength and composure at the back.
- Adamu Abubakar (Kwara United) – A rising goalkeeper who has consistently impressed with his reflexes and command of the area.
These players have shown great form in the NPFL and will be eager to make their mark on the international stage.
Conclusion
The inclusion of 12 NPFL players in the Super Eagles squad for the Unity Cup signals a renewed commitment to domestic football development. For Coach Eric Chelle, it marks the beginning of a broader vision aimed at restoring Nigeria’s dominance on the continental stage, starting with CHAN 2024.
As preparations intensify and excitement builds for the Unity Cup, fans will be watching closely to see how the home-based stars rise to the occasion.
With a mix of veteran leadership, young talent, and strategic planning, the Super Eagles could be well on their way to building a formidable squad that not only shines in London—but also brings glory to Nigeria in the months to come.
