Super Eagles assistant coach Fidelis Illechukwu has praised head coach Eric Chelle for his bold move to include players from the Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) in the national team squad set to feature at the upcoming Unity Cup in London.
Speaking ahead of the team’s departure, Illechukwu described the decision as a game-changer for domestic football, stating that it not only provides a pathway for home-based players to break into the global scene, but also elevates the profile of the local league.
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“I am so happy that Rangers players were invited. The head coach is a great one, and the opportunity he’s giving the NPFL players is very important,” Illechukwu said. “This is a chance for them to showcase their abilities to the world, and hopefully attract interest from international clubs.”
The Unity Cup, which kicks off on May 26 at Brentford’s Gtech Community Stadium, will see Nigeria go head-to-head with Ghana, Jamaica, and Trinidad & Tobago.
While the tournament is friendly in nature, it offers a valuable stage for talent discovery, especially for those looking to make a name for themselves beyond the Nigerian league.
Illechukwu urged the home-based players to take the opportunity seriously. “They must understand that there are thousands of players out there in Nigeria waiting for this same chance.
They have to remain humble, follow instructions, and play their hearts out. This could be their gateway to greener pastures.”
The assistant coach also stressed that beyond individual ambitions, the exposure of NPFL players would reflect positively on the domestic league, attracting more attention, investment, and credibility.
Head coach Eric Chelle, who is overseeing his first international window with Nigeria, has made it clear that the Unity Cup is part of a broader plan to build a competitive squad ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers.
As Nigeria prepares to face tough opposition in London, all eyes will be on the NPFL contingent to prove that homegrown talent is just as capable on the international stage.
