Chibueze Oputa Reacts to First Super Eagles Call-Up After Enugu Rangers Win Record-Equalling Ninth NPFL Title

Enugu Rangers defender Chibueze Oputa is preparing for his first senior Nigeria international appearance after a remarkable week in which he won the Nigerian Premier Football League title and earned a call-up to the Super Eagles squad for the 2026 Unity Cup.

Rangers clinched their record-equalling ninth NPFL title at the Mobolaji Johnson Arena in Lagos, a result that came just hours before Oputa learned he had been included in Eric Chelle’s squad. The right-back had previously spoken about missing the dressing room celebrations in Lagos, but has since expressed gratitude for the double recognition.

“To become Nigerian champion and also get my first Super Eagles call up at the same time means a lot to me,” Oputa told Pulse Sports. “Na something wey I don dey pray and work hard for.”

Oputa was not present at the Mobolaji Johnson Arena when his teammates celebrated the title, having already departed to join the national team camp in the United Kingdom. Despite missing that moment, he has shifted his focus to the opportunity ahead.

“Winning the league with Rangers and representing Nigeria is a big blessing,” he said. “I thank God for the opportunity. I just thank God, my teammates, coaches and everyone supporting me.”

The full-back developed entirely within the Nigerian domestic system, rising through the rigours of the NPFL without the benefit of a foreign academy pathway. At club level, he is recognised as an attacking right-back with strong defensive discipline, effective overlapping runs, and a threat from set-pieces — qualities that underpinned coach Fidelis Ilechukwu’s title-winning setup at Rangers this season.

Oputa is among several new faces named in Chelle’s squad for the Unity Cup, a tournament Nigeria enters as defending champions. The Super Eagles open their campaign against Zimbabwe’s Warriors at The Valley on Tuesday, May 26, 2026.

His inclusion in the squad reflects a broader trend under Chelle of monitoring and integrating NPFL-based players into the national setup, a policy that has drawn attention to the domestic league as a viable route to senior international football. Rangers’ title-winning campaign this season — which edged rivals including Finidi George’s side on the final day — provided Oputa with a high-profile platform to stake his claim.

With the Unity Cup serving as preparation ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup cycle, the tournament carries additional significance for fringe players looking to establish themselves in Chelle’s long-term plans. For Oputa, Tuesday’s match against Zimbabwe represents his first opportunity to convert a domestic breakthrough into senior international recognition.