Nigeria’s Super Eagles will defend their Unity Cup title at The Valley in Charlton, South London, from May 26 to 30, competing against Zimbabwe, Jamaica and India in a four-nation knockout tournament. Head coach Eric Chelle has confirmed he will watch the NPFL run-in closely before finalising his squad, and the domestic league has produced a group of players difficult to overlook.
Leading that group is Ayobami Junior of Shooting Stars. The Brighton & Hove Albion academy product, widely known as Baggio, returned to Nigerian football and established himself as the league’s top creator, registering 11 assists this season — more than any other player in the NPFL. In February, he recorded three assists in a single match against Warri Wolves, becoming the first player to achieve that feat in the NPFL since 2025. His European footballing education has translated into a reading of the game that sets him apart from his peers in the division.
Ikorodu City, in only their second NPFL season, contribute three names to the list. Joseph Arumala, a 21-year-old former Golden Eaglets player operating from the left flank, tops the league’s scoring charts with 12 goals in his debut NPFL campaign. His pace, movement and composure in front of goal have made him one of the season’s most discussed attackers. Club captain Tosin Oyedokun has been central to Ikorodu City’s push for a top-three finish and potential CAF continental football, contributing goals — including a decisive left-footed strike against Warri Wolves — and leadership across the midfield. Completing the Ikorodu City trio is goalkeeper Michael Atata. At just 20 years old, “The Wall” has kept 16 clean sheets this season, the highest tally in the league, organising a backline of older defenders and producing saves that have drawn specific praise from opposing coaches in post-match interviews. With Stanley Nwabali still without a club, Nigeria’s goalkeeping succession is an open question, and Atata has inserted himself firmly into that conversation.
From Rivers United, centre-back Stephen Manyo has been the cornerstone of what is currently the meanest defence in the NPFL, as the club led by Finidi George sits at the top of the table. Manyo’s composure, aerial ability and positional intelligence have drawn direct praise from his manager. After a standout display against Katsina United, Finidi said of Manyo: “He had a fantastic game.” Manyo also scored a goal in the CAF Champions League group stage that was voted goal of matchday five by the confederation, underlining his quality at a continental level.
Enugu Rangers, who are challenging for the NPFL title, provide the final two candidates. Right-back Oputa Chibueze has started 17 of Rangers’ 25 league matches this season, combining defensive reliability with an ability to contribute in the attacking third through deliveries and set-piece involvement. He joined Enugu Rangers after two years with Solution FC. His teammate Chidozie Iwundu presents an unusual profile: a centre-back who has scored eight goals this season — the most by any defender in the division — placing him among the top scorers in the entire league. A former Akure-based club player, Iwundu’s threat in both penalty areas makes him arguably the most distinctive defensive option on the list.
Chelle has previously spoken publicly about his intention to play Victor Osimhen and Ademola Lookman against Portugal, signalling his preference for his strongest available attacking options in high-profile fixtures. However, the Unity Cup presents an opportunity to assess domestic talent in a competitive international environment. With the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualification campaign ongoing for Nigeria, the depth of the Super Eagles squad remains an area of ongoing scrutiny, and the NPFL’s current crop of performers has provided a timely argument for greater domestic representation.
