Former Super Eagles goalkeeper Dele Aiyenugba has urged Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) players recently called up to the national team to give their all and represent the domestic league with pride. Speaking ahead of Nigeria’s international friendly against Russia, Aiyenugba encouraged the local stars to make the most of the rare opportunity.
"The only thing I would advise them is to represent the home-based players very well," said the veteran keeper. "If they do that, it will boost their chances of being invited for more matches."
Aiyenugba highlighted a key development in the current structure of the Super Eagles head coach Eric Chelle now oversees both the main squad and the CHAN Eagles, creating a clearer pathway for NPFL talents to break into the senior setup.
"Before now, the main Super Eagles could not interfere with the CHAN Eagles. But now, with the same coach watching over both, if he improves these players and picks some for the senior team, it shows he’s doing a great job," Aiyenugba added.
He urged the players to be mentally prepared, noting that success in this camp could open doors for bigger international exposure.
Editorial
Dele Aiyenugba’s message isn’t just timely it’s crucial. In a football culture where home based players often get overlooked or written off, his call for pride and purpose strikes the right chord. Representing your country is never a gift; it’s an opportunity. And for NPFL stars, it’s also a test of belief, attitude, and consistency.
Aiyenugba speaks from experience he's been there. He's made the jump from local leagues to the international stage, and he knows exactly what separates those who rise from those who remain. His words carry weight, not just because of his past, but because of the insight he brings into Nigeria’s current football structure.
The decision to unify coaching oversight between the Super Eagles and CHAN Eagles is a game-changer. It offers transparency, continuity, and most importantly, hope. But that hope only becomes reality if the players step up and show that the NPFL is more than a feeder league it’s a proving ground.
This isn’t about showing up for a friendly it’s about showing why they belong. For every NPFL player dreaming of that leap, now is the time to make it count. The coach is watching. So is the country.
Did You Know?
- Dele Aiyenugba was part of Nigeria’s squad at four Africa Cup of Nations tournaments between 2004 and 2010.
- He played for NPFL sides Kwara United and Enyimba before moving abroad to Bnei Yehuda in Israel.
- Aiyenugba won multiple Nigerian league titles and CAF Champions League trophies with Enyimba.
- The CHAN (African Nations Championship) team is exclusively made up of players based in their home countries’ domestic leagues.
- NPFL players were included in the Super Eagles squad that faced Russia in a friendly a rare opportunity for home-based stars on the senior international stage.
