Former Super Eagles defender Azubuike Egwuekwe has called on the home-based players invited to the national team for the upcoming Unity Cup to make the most of the rare opportunity, emphasizing that their performance could open doors for both their careers and the Nigerian Professional Football League (NPFL) at large.
Egwuekwe, who rose to prominence through the domestic league before earning 35 caps for Nigeria between 2012 and 2015, including participation in the 2013 Africa Cup of Nations-winning squad, highlighted the significance of the current call-ups.
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“It’s a welcome development to have domestic league players included in the squad,” Egwuekwe stated. “I and my teammates were also selected using this same selection method. If the players impress, it will mean that the league gets more attention from outside.”
The Unity Cup, set to take place at Brentford’s Gtech Community Stadium in London from May 26 to 31, will feature Nigeria alongside Ghana, Jamaica, and Trinidad and Tobago.
The tournament provides a platform for domestic talents to gain international exposure and for the coaching staff to assess their capabilities ahead of future competitions.
Egwuekwe’s journey from Warri Wolves to the national team serves as an inspiration for the current crop of NPFL players.
His call to action underscores the importance of seizing such opportunities to elevate both individual careers and the profile of the domestic league.
As the Super Eagles prepare for these crucial matches, the inclusion of NPFL players reflects a strategic approach to blend domestic and international talents, aiming to build a cohesive and formidable team for future challenges.
