Opabunmi Urges Chelle: NPFL Stars Will Give 200% for Nigeria

Former Super Eagles forward Femi Opabunmi has called on head coach Eric Sekou Chelle to give home-based players a chance in the senior national team, insisting they would deliver ‘200 percent’ if trusted with opportunities.

The debate over the inclusion of Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL) players reignited after the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco, where Nigeria finished with a bronze medal.

Technical Director of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), Augustine Eguavoen, had voiced his disappointment at Chelle’s decision to overlook NPFL talent, while Victor Ikpeba, a member of the NFF Sub-Technical Committee, maintained that squad selection remains Chelle’s prerogative.

Opabunmi, who began his career with Shooting Stars of Ibadan before moving abroad, stressed that local players should not be downgraded.

Speaking to Brila FM, he said: ‘Definitely there will be a chance and when they give them the chance they will grab it. Any home-based players given the chance will give 200 percent.

‘At the Nations Cup, you saw that new players wanted to give their best. Likewise the home-based players, when you call on them, they will give their best. At least one or two home-based players should be brought in, don’t just condemn them.’

Chelle’s record with home-based players has been questioned since Nigeria failed to progress beyond the group stage of the African Nations Championship (CHAN) under his watch last year.

Opabunmi’s comments add weight to calls for a rethink, as many believe NPFL stars could inject hunger and determination into the national team setup.