Nigeria’s Super Eagles will return to The Valley in Charlton, South London, between May 26 and 30 to defend the Unity Cup title they won in the previous edition. The four-nation knockout tournament will pit the Eagles against Zimbabwe, Jamaica, and India. Eric Chelle has publicly stated he will monitor the closing stages of the Nigeria Premier Football League season closely — and the domestic competition has produced seven names that now demand his attention.
The most decorated creator in Nigerian domestic football this season is Ayobami Junior, known as Baggio, who operates for Shooting Stars in Ibadan. A product of the Brighton & Hove Albion academy, the midfielder returned home and leads the NPFL with 11 assists in the current campaign. In February, he became the first player since 2025 to register three assists in a single NPFL match, achieving the feat against Warri Wolves. His ability to read the game and distribute under pressure reflects an education at one of England’s more progressive youth setups.
Ikorodu City, in just their second NPFL season, have produced three players deserving of national consideration. Joseph Arumala, 21, is a former Golden Eaglets representative playing on the left flank. In his debut top-flight campaign, he tops the NPFL scoring charts with 12 goals. His pace, movement, and composure in front of goal have drawn comparisons from supporters to Brazilian international Vinicius Jr. With Victor Osimhen unavailable, Arumala’s confidence and form make him a credible option for Chelle.
Alongside Arumala at Ikorodu City, captain Tosin Oyedokun has been the central figure in the club’s push for a top-three finish and potential CAF competition qualification. The midfielder has led by example throughout the season, including a crucial left-footed goal against Warri Wolves that underlined his capacity to deliver in high-pressure moments. Completing the Ikorodu City trio is 20-year-old goalkeeper Michael Atata, nicknamed “The Wall,” who has recorded 16 clean sheets in the NPFL this season — the highest total in the division. Atata has organised defenders older than himself and has been cited by name in post-match interviews by opposing coaches. With Stanley Nwabali still without a club, Nigeria’s goalkeeping future is an open question, and Atata has positioned himself as a central part of that discussion.
At Rivers United, who currently lead the NPFL table, centre-back Stephen Manyo has been the foundation of the tightest defence in the league. Manager Finidi George, a former Super Eagles winger, singled out Manyo following a standout display against Katsina United, stating: “He had a fantastic game.” Manyo also caught attention in the CAF Champions League earlier this season, with his strike against Pyramids FC named the competition’s goal of matchday five by the Confederation of African Football.
Enugu Rangers, who are among the clubs challenging for the NPFL title, have contributed two names to this group. Right back Oputa Chibueze has started 17 of Rangers’ 25 league matches this season after joining from Solution FC and has combined defensive reliability with an ability to contribute going forward from set pieces. Alongside him, centre-back Chidozie Iwundu has arguably been the most complete defender in the league. Iwundu has scored eight goals from the back line, making him the highest-scoring defender in the division and placing him among the leading scorers across all positions in the NPFL. His threat at both ends of the pitch gives him a profile rarely seen in a domestic defender.
The Unity Cup provides Chelle with an opportunity to broaden his selection pool beyond the overseas-based players who have dominated his squads. The seven players profiled here have collectively demonstrated that the NPFL’s current season is producing talent worthy of the Super Eagles shirt.
