Prince Davidson Owumi, the Chief Executive Officer of the Nigeria Premier Football League NPFL, has extended his congratulations to Enyimba International FC’s goalkeeper Ojo Olorunleke and Stanley Nwabali for their commendable representation of the domestic league in the Super Eagles during the recent AFCON 2023 in Cote d’Ivoire. Despite the Super Eagles’ narrow 2-1 defeat in the final against the host team, the Elephants of Cote d’Ivoire, the Nigerian government has honoured the team with houses and land for their valiant effort in reaching the final.
Owumi expressed his pride in the Super Eagles’ bravery, highlighting Nwabali’s transition from Katsina United to Chippa United in South Africa and his rise to become the Super Eagles’ first choice goalkeeper. He praised Nwabali’s exceptional performance throughout the tournament and Olorunleke’s support as a backup goalkeeper, showcasing the depth of talent within the NPFL.
The executive appealed to the Nigeria Football Federation to mandate the inclusion of more than three domestic league players in future Super Eagles’ squads to uncover more talent and provide hope for domestic players aspiring to represent their country without needing to play abroad. Owumi’s call to action emphasizes the potential within the NPFL to produce more players of Nwabali’s calibre.
Owumi also commended the Federal Government and President Tinubu for recognizing the Super Eagles’ achievements with awards, believing such gestures will motivate the players to achieve greater success for Nigeria.
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Editorial
As we reflect on the recent achievements of the Super Eagles at AFCON 2023, it’s imperative to recognize the significant contributions of players from the Nigeria Premier Football League NPFL. The commendable performances of Ojo Olorunleke and Stanley Nwabali not only highlight the quality of football talent within our domestic league but also underscore the importance of integrating these talents into our national team.
The narrative of Nwabali’s ascent to the first choice goalkeeper for the Super Eagles, following his tenure with various NPFL clubs and a move to Chippa United, is a testament to the untapped potential within our local leagues. It serves as a compelling argument for the Nigeria Football Federation to adopt a more inclusive approach towards team selection, ensuring that the pool of talent considered for national duty extends beyond the shores of Nigeria.
The inclusion of more NPFL players in the Super Eagles would not only provide a platform for these talents to shine on the international stage but also inspire other domestic players with the belief that their dreams of playing for the national team are attainable. This approach can foster a more competitive environment within the team, elevating the overall quality of play and team spirit.
The recognition and rewards bestowed upon the Super Eagles by the Federal Government for their performance at AFCON 2023 are commendable. Such gestures not only celebrate the team’s achievements but also serve as a motivational tool for future endeavours. It reinforces the notion that excellence and hard work are recognized and rewarded, encouraging players to strive for greatness.
As we advocate for the inclusion of more NPFL players in the Super Eagles, we reiterate our belief in the rich reservoir of talent within our domestic league. By harnessing this potential, we can elevate the standard of our national team, ensuring that the Super Eagles soar higher in future competitions.
Did You Know?
- The Nigeria Premier Football League NPFL was founded in 1972, making it one of the oldest football leagues in Africa.
- Enyimba International FC, one of the clubs mentioned, is the most successful Nigerian football club in continental competitions, having won the CAF Champions League twice.
- The Super Eagles of Nigeria have won the Africa Cup of Nations AFCON three times: in 1980, 1994, and 2013.
- Cote d’Ivoire, the host nation for AFCON 2023, has won the AFCON title twice, in 1992 and 2015.
- The Federal Government of Nigeria’s tradition of rewarding athletes with houses and lands for outstanding performances began in the early 1990s as a way to motivate and appreciate athletes’ contributions to national pride.
