- Chelle’s Bold Approach: Blending International Experience with NPFL Talent.
- Eguavoen Breaks Silence on Why NPFL Stars Made the Super Eagles Squad.
- Papa Daniel Mustapha’s Emotional Reaction to His Super Eagles Call-Up.
Eric Chelle, the Super Eagles head coach, has unveiled his final 23-man squad for the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers against Rwanda and Zimbabwe.
Among the selected players are two Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) stars, Kayode Bankole and Papa Daniel Mustapha.
This decision has sparked discussions, and former coach Augustine Eguavoen has provided insights into why these home-based players made the list.
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Chelle’s Selection Strategy: A Balance of Experience and Homegrown Talent
Since his appointment in January, Eric Chelle has taken a hands-on approach to squad selection, scouting players both in Europe and across Nigeria.
His objective is clear—blend international experience with local talent to create a well-rounded Super Eagles squad.
Initially, four NPFL players appeared in the provisional squad.
However, after careful evaluation, only two—Bankole and Mustapha—secured their spots in the final list.
Eguavoen Explains Why NPFL Players Were Selected
Augustine Eguavoen, the Nigerian Football Federation’s (NFF) technical director, revealed that Chelle’s decision to include home-based players wasn’t arbitrary.
Instead, it was backed by expert recommendations and firsthand scouting.
Papa Daniel Mustapha, in particular, was highly recommended by three NPFL coaches.
Although Eguavoen hadn’t initially watched him play, he trusted their judgment.
Later, after observing Mustapha’s performance alongside Chelle, both were convinced of his potential.
“When I spoke to the Remo Stars and Rangers coaches—who were also my assistants—they mentioned Papa Daniel. At first, I hadn’t seen him play, but I trusted their recommendation. Eventually, when I watched him in action with Chelle, we both saw his quality,” Eguavoen told Home Turf.
He further added that their observations also justified the inclusion of Rangers’ center-back Ifeanyi Onyebuchi, highlighting Chelle’s commitment to integrating NPFL talents.
Read Also: Super Eagles Announce Final Squad for Crucial 2026 World Cup Qualifiers
He added: “What we saw in the Rangers center-back (Ifeanyi Onyebuchi) further reinforced our decision to include NPFL players in the squad.”
Mustapha’s Reaction to Super Eagles Call-Up
This selection presents a significant opportunity for Papa Daniel Mustapha, who will now compete for a midfield role against established players like Alex Iwobi, Wilfred Ndidi, Raphael Onyedika, Joe Aribo, and Alhassan Yusuf.
Reacting to the call-up, Mustapha took to his official X account to share his excitement:
“Honored to receive a @NGSuperEagles invitation to represent this beautiful nation at the qualifiers for the next edition of the FIFA World Cup with the senior team.”
He further expressed gratitude to his teammates and coaches, adding:
“Thankful to my teammates and coaches and grateful for the good messages I’m still getting. God Bless Nigeria 💚”
With Chelle’s strategic squad selection, the Super Eagles are entering a new era—one that embraces both international experience and homegrown talent from the NPFL.
This shift could be a game-changer for Nigerian football.
