NPFL Players Shine As League Pushes For Greater Recognition
Princess-Ekwi Ajide
For years, the Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL) has fought to earn the respect and recognition it deserves on the global stage.
While Nigerian players have long been sought after in foreign leagues, the local league has often struggled to command the same attention.
However, a major breakthrough has emerged, as four NPFL players have been named in Coach Eric Chelle’s 39-man provisional squad for the upcoming World Cup qualifiers against Rwanda and Zimbabwe.
NPFL Chairman Hon. Gbenga Elegbeleye described this as a significant achievement stating that the inclusion of Kayode Bankole (Remo Stars), Ahmed Musa (Kano Pillars), Ifeanyi Onyebuchi (Rangers International), and Papa Daniel Mustapha (Niger Tornadoes) is proof of the league’s growing quality.
“This recognition is not just about these four players; it’s about the entire NPFL. It shows that talent exists within our league, and with consistency, more players will break into the national team,” Elegbeleye stated in Abuja.
To further elevate the league, he advocated increased television coverage, live streaming, and stronger followership, to ensure that NPFL talents gain greater exposure.
He also commended the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) technical team, led by Austin Eguavoen, for its dedication to scouting local players.
With the NPFL making steady strides in visibility and player development, the inclusion of home-based stars in the Super Eagles’ setup signals a new era for the league, where homegrown talent is given the platform to shine at the highest level.
