Terem Moffi Backs NPFL Stars as Super Eagles Squad Targets Unity Cup Glory Against Zimbabwe

Super Eagles striker Terem Moffi has thrown his weight behind the seven Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL) players included in the national team’s Unity Cup squad, insisting the group has settled quickly and is performing at a high level in training.

The Nigerian contingent has gathered in London, with 19 players already involved in sessions under head coach Eric Chelle. The domestic-based players called into the squad represent clubs including Shooting Stars, Ikorodu City, Rivers United, and reigning league champions Enugu Rangers.

Moffi, who has earned 19 international caps for Nigeria, spoke positively about how the home-based players have integrated into the group. “The boys have put in top-quality sessions. We’re proud to be here and happy to represent the country,” he told journalist Austin Okon-Akpan. “We are looking forward to the upcoming sessions and the matches.”

The Nice forward elaborated further on the contribution of the NPFL contingent. “As for the boys from the domestic league, they’ve been excellent. We could see their quality from the very first minute. This is exactly what the Super Eagles need — a healthy mix of foreign and home-based talent. We love it. There’s no pressure at all; we are just happy to be here, play football, enjoy ourselves, and win games.”

This represents the second occasion under Chelle’s management that the Super Eagles squad has featured a considerable number of both European-based and home-based players, reflecting what appears to be a deliberate selection philosophy from the Malian coach. According to Pulse Sports, Chelle has previously stated that the Unity Cup represents an opportunity beyond simply winning silverware, framing it as a platform to evaluate domestic talent.

Nigeria’s opening fixture in the Unity Cup is against Zimbabwe — a side with recent history against the Super Eagles. The two nations were placed in the same 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifying group, and both matches between them ended in draws, results that were considered disappointing for Nigeria given their status as favourites heading into those encounters.

The Unity Cup provides Chelle with a valuable opportunity to assess his expanded player pool ahead of what remains a critical period for Nigerian football. With World Cup qualification implications still in the backdrop, performances in this tournament are likely to carry weight in determining the direction of Chelle’s future squad selections.

An Ikorodu City player is also reportedly in contention to make his senior international debut against Zimbabwe, according to reports from Pulse Sports, which would further underline the significance Chelle is placing on the domestic league’s contribution to the national setup.