Special Report: Nigerian Players Doing Well At Home and in Europe Who Deserve a Chance with the Super Eagles
Following the Nigeria Super Eagles’ recent performances in the FIFA World Cup qualifiers against Rwanda and Zimbabwe, conversations have intensified among fans and pundits regarding the state of the national team. While the results have sparked debate, one common thread stands out the growing call for a fresh wave of Nigerian talent currently excelling at home and across Europe to be given a real opportunity on the international stage.
Football enthusiasts believe that several Nigerian players doing well in the NPFL and in Europe are being overlooked and should be considered for selection. Many argue that injecting new blood into the squad could provide a much-needed spark, improve overall team performance, and foster healthy competition within the team.
Super Eagles coach Eric Chelle has reportedly taken note of some of these rising stars, and there is hope that the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) will act decisively ahead of the next international break. The inclusion of these players could be key in turning around Nigeria’s World Cup qualifying campaign.
Here are some of the top-performing Nigerian players who many believe deserve a chance with the Super Eagles:
Absolutely! The Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) has been showcasing impressive talents who are making significant impacts in the 2024–25 season. These players have demonstrated qualities that could make them valuable additions to the Super Eagles.
At the home front we have:
Goalkeepers
Emmanuel Ogbole (Kwara United) – A consistent performer between the sticks, Ogbole has been instrumental in Kwara United’s defensive solidity this season.
Defenders
Saviour Isaac (Enugu Rangers) – Known for his versatility and defensive prowess, Isaac has been a key figure in Enugu Rangers’ backline.
Midfielders
Rabiu Ali (Kano Pillars) – At 44, Ali continues to defy age, contributing 11 goals this season and providing leadership and creativity in midfield.
Wingers
Shola Adelani (Ikorodu City) – With 9 goals to his name, Adelani’s pace and dribbling skills have been a constant threat to opposition defenses.
Forwards
Anas Yusuf (Nasarawa United) – Leading the league with 14 goals, Yusuf’s clinical finishing has been pivotal for Nasarawa United’s attacking success.
Sunday Megwo (Abia Warriors) – A consistent goal scorer, Megwo has netted 10 goals, showcasing his ability to find the back of the net regularly.
Ijoma Antoine (Abia Warriors) – Complementing Megwo in attack, Antoine’s partnership has been fruitful, adding depth to Abia Warriors’ offensive options.
In Europe Nigeria Players Making Waves Includes:
Goalkeepers & Defenders
Noah Atubolu – Freiburg’s first-choice goalkeeper, setting records in the Bundesliga. A standout for Germany’s youth teams, he remains eligible for Nigeria.
Caleb Okoli – Commanding central defender now with Leicester City after a stint in Italy’s Serie A.
Tosin Adarabioyo – Strong, composed centre-back currently at Chelsea, offering Premier League experience and aerial presence.
Felix Agu – Reliable 25-year-old left-back at Werder Bremen, previously capped by Germany’s U21s.
Michael Kayode – Dynamic fullback on loan at Brentford, capped by Italy at the U21 level.
Kingsley Ehizibue – Tough-tackling, energetic right-back playing in Italy for Udinese.
Midfielders
Carney Chukwuemeka – Chelsea midfielder on loan at Borussia Dortmund, previously featured for England’s youth teams.
Lesley Ugochukwu – Physical and composed midfielder on loan at Southampton from Chelsea, capped by France U21.
Ebenezer Akinsanmiro – Highly-rated midfield prospect, currently on loan at Sampdoria from Inter Milan.
Tino Anjorin – Creative midfielder formerly of Chelsea, now playing for Empoli in Serie A.
Wingers & Forwards
Samuel Edozie – Manchester City academy graduate, now shining at Anderlecht on loan from Southampton.
Victor Udoh – A Golden Eaglets product who joined Southampton from Belgium’s Antwerp.
Ethan Nwaneri – Teenage sensation turning heads at Arsenal with his impressive performances.
George Ilenikhena – Clinical striker for AS Monaco and a regular for France’s U21 side.
Chuba Akpom – Former Arsenal forward, now with Lille in France, has declared his commitment to Nigeria.
Kazeem Olaigbe – Explosive winger who recently joined Rennes from Cercle Brugge.
Jacob Murphy – Consistent performer at Newcastle United and a Carabao Cup winner.
Josh Maja – In-form striker for West Bromwich Albion, already capped once by the Super Eagles.
Ahmed Abdullahi – Young Flying Eagles striker now with Sunderland, having impressed at the 2023 U20 AFCON.
With Nigeria’s path to World Cup qualification still uncertain, now is the time to make bold decisions. Integrating these high-performing players into the national team setup could be the shake-up the Super Eagles need to restore dominance on the continent and beyond.
As the next international window approaches, fans hope that the NFF and coaching staff will heed the growing calls to give these deserving talents a chance to wear the green and white a move that could mark a turning point in Nigeria’s football journey.
These players have not only excelled individually but have also contributed significantly to their teams’ performances in the league. Their inclusion in the national team could provide the Super Eagles with fresh energy and options across the pitch.