Former Super Eagles players, Mutiu Adepoju and Garba Lawal, have welcomed Eric Chelle’s decision to have NPFL players alongside the foreign-based professionals ahead of the 2025 Unity Cup in London, www.aclsports.com reports.
Head coach of the Super Eagles, Eric Chelle, named a 25-man squad for the tournament on Wednesday, with 10 of the squad members from the nation’s top-flight. Remo Stars’ trio Sikiru Alimi, Junior Nduka, and Sodiq Ismail were joined by Ahmed Musa (Kano Pillars), Adamu Abubakar (Plateau United), Waliu Ojetoye (Ikorodu City), Niger Tornadoes’ Papa Daniel Mustapha, and Rangers trio – Saviour Isaac, Ifeanyi Onyebuchi, and Collins Ugwueze.
Speaking to The PUNCH, the Super Eagles legends praised the coach’s inclusive approach, saying it is good for the squad and the players coming from the NPFL as well.
“Yes, I think it’s a good one, a good development,” Mutiu, a veteran of the 1994 Africa Cup of Nations-winning side, said.
“Counting the number of home-based players, I could see nine; this is great for the NPFL. It’s a way of encouraging our domestic league and showing belief in the talent available at home. In addition, I think it’s always good. Chelle did something similar while he was coaching in Mali. It’s best to ensure the local league is encouraged, it’s very important,” he added.
In the same light, Lawal praised Chelle for the composition of the squad, citing it as a positive step for player development.
“It’s a good one. I believe Chelle wants to give some other people a chance to play, which is good,” Lawal said.
“It’s a mix of foreign and home-based players. I hope the home-based will take advantage of this opportunity. There aren’t too many professionals there, so the home-based players need to showcase their talents. As a player, this is the kind of opportunity you’re looking for. When you’re called upon, you have to give your best because the coach has already done his part,” Lawal concluded.
The Unity Cup Tournament will feature Nigeria, Jamaica, Ghana, and Trinidad and Tobago, and the 17,250-capacity Gtech Community Stadium in Brentford, West London, is set to host the tournament.
