By The Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL) has restated its commitment to improving the quality and visibility of domestic football. This follows the inclusion of four NPFL players in Coach Eric Chelle’s 39-man provisional squad for the upcoming World Cup qualifiers against Rwanda and Zimbabwe.
Speaking in Abuja, NPFL Chairman Hon. Gbenga Elegbeleye described the players’ selection as a step forward for the league. He emphasized the need to create more opportunities for home-based talents to compete on both national and international stages.
“The inclusion of Kayode Bankole (Remo Stars), Ahmed Musa (Kano Pillars), Ifeanyi Onyebuchi (Rangers International), and Papa Daniel Mustapha (Niger Tornadoes) is proof of their hard work and the quality in our league. Consistency from these players will open doors for others,” Elegbeleye stated.
He also highlighted the importance of increased television coverage, live streaming, and fan engagement to ensure NPFL players gain more recognition. “The more visibility we provide, the better our players’ chances of being selected for the national team,” he added.
When asked about a dedicated technical team for scouting NPFL players, Elegbeleye expressed confidence in the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) technical department, led by Austin Eguavoen. He praised Eguavoen’s efforts in scouting talents across league venues and noted that the newly appointed Super Eagles coach is also closely monitoring NPFL players.
With this recognition, the NPFL continues to strengthen its position as a breeding ground for future national team stars. Ongoing efforts to enhance the league’s visibility and competitiveness could further elevate Nigerian football on the global stage.
