Former Super Eagles Stars, Garba Lawal and Mutiu Adepoju, have commended Coach Eric Chelle’s decision to blend homegrown talents from the Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) with established foreign professionals in his squad for the forthcoming Unity Cup.

The Unity Cup is a friendly international tournament that will feature Nigeria, Jamaica, Ghana and Trinidad and Tobago at the Gtech Community Stadium, West London from May 20 to 31.

Chelle named his squad for the tournament on Wednesday with some of the top stars in The NPFL in the squad. Chelle’s approach evokes memories of legendary Nigerian coaches such as Clemens Westerhof, Stephen Keshi, and Bonfrere Jo, who integrated domestic league players into the national team fabric. That tradition, which played a crucial role in Nigeria’s golden football era of the 1990s, appears to be receiving a modern-day revival.

Speaking on the team, Adepoju, fondly remembered as “The Headmaster” for his aerial prowess during his active days, noted that Chelle’s inclusion of nine NPFL players is not only strategic but inspirational for local talents.

“Yes, I think it’s a good one, a good development,” Adepoju said. “Counting the number of home-based players, I could see nine – this is great for the NPFL. It’s a way of encouraging our domestic league and showing belief in the talent available at home. Adepoju said that Chelle’s strategy will encourage other players in the NPFL to up their game knowing that they could get their chance if they do well.

“Chelle did something similar while he was coaching in Mali. It’s best to ensure the local league is encouraged; it is very important.” Also speaking on the competition, Lawal described the squad list as a refreshing nod to players’ development. He said that giving other players opportunity to fight for shirts will make the Super Eagles more competitive.

“I hope the home-based will take advantage of this opportunity,” Lawal said, while emphasising the significance of performance for local players in such international settings.

“There aren’t too many professionals in there, so the home-based players need to showcase their talents. As a player, this is the kind of opportunity you’re looking for. When you’re called upon, you have to give your best because the coach has already done his part.”

The Unity Cup squad has such established players as Moses Simon (FC Nantes), Wilfred Ndidi (Leicester City), and Kelechi Iheanacho (Sevilla), balanced with standout NPFL performers such as Remo Stars’ captain Junior Harrison Nduka and Sikiru Alimi.