Garba Lawal: NPFL Stars Must Seize Unity Cup Chance

Former Nigerian international Garba Lawal has issued a rallying call to players from the Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL) selected for the upcoming Unity Cup, urging them to seize the opportunity to prove their worth in the Super Eagles.

Super Eagles head coach Eric Chelle has named seven NPFL stars in his squad for the four-nation tournament in Charlton, England.

The home-based contingent includes Michael Atata, Obinna Igboke, Chibueze Oputa, Elias Ochobi, Aderemi Adeoye, Ayobami Junior, and Tosin Oyedokun.

Speaking with Brila FM, Lawal emphasized that this invitation represents a ‘second chance’ for the domestic league players to showcase their talent at the senior national team level.

‘This opportunity is another second chance for the NPFL players.

‘He has gone round and picked some of the best players in the league. I just want to appeal to them that this is their chance and they should not complain to me again. If they go there and mess up, I am a fan of them, and I was highly disappointed with the last performance they displayed at CHAN,’ Lawal said.

He added that this could be the final opportunity for NPFL players to silence critics and justify calls for their inclusion.

‘After this, I won’t talk about the home-based Eagles again because we have been talking about the coach picking domestic league players, and he has done that now. This is their best chance to showcase their talents.’

Nigeria will begin its Unity Cup title defence on Tuesday, May 26, against Zimbabwe’s Warriors. The winner of that semi-final will advance to face either Jamaica or India in the final.

The tournament runs from May 26 to 31, with the Super Eagles aiming to retain the crown they won last year.