Former Nigerian international Friday Ekpo has urged Super Eagles head coach Eric Chelle to include players from the Nigerian league in his squad for next month’s Unity Cup.
The Super Eagles will defend their Unity Cup title later in May, with a clash against Zimbabwe in the semifinals, before facing the winner of the tie between India and Jamaica in the final, with the tournament set to hold between May 26 and 30.
Nigeria also played against Iran and Jordan in two international friendlies in March, with the squad occupied by foreign-based players.
In recent times, players from the Nigerian Premier Football League (NPFL) have been overlooked, with Super Eagles star plying their trades abroad getting the nod ahead of them.
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After the Unity Cup, Nigeria will then face Poland and Portugal in two high-profile friendly matches, before turning their attention to the 2027 African Cup of Nations qualifiers later in the year.
What Friday Ekpo said about Unity Cup
Speaking during an interview, former Super Eagles midfielder Friday Ekpo believes Eric Chelle should use the upcoming Unity Cup to give playing chances to players in the local league.
“The Unity Cup should be an opportunity for the Super Eagles handler to pick a few of the NPFL players who he thinks are capable of contributing positively to the senior national team”, Ekpo said.
“I have nothing against inviting foreign players to the team, but neglecting players in the domestic league should not be encouraged because we still have quality players who can be of great value to the team.”
Nigeria will compete against Jamaica, India and Zimbabwe in the Unity Cup in May, hoping to successfully defend the crown they won in 2025.
