Players of the Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL) are buzzing after word got out that head coach Eric Chelle will include some in the next couple of Super Eagles engagements.
Nigeria will face two of Zimbabwe, India and Jamaica at the Unity Cup in London where the Super Eagles will look to defend the title they won last year.
Similar to the 2025 edition, Chelle has decided against inviting Super Eagles regulars for the invitational tournament.
The Malian tactician plans to deploy NPFL players and fringe Super Eagles stars for the games.
While there may be more openings for NPFL stars in the final 23-man squad, Soccernet.ng have identified five of the standout performers of the 2025/26 Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) season as of mid-April 2026.
The most exciting NPFL stars on Eric Chelle's watchlist
Joseph Arumala (Ikorodu City FC)
- Age: 21 (Born: November 8, 2004)
Arumala is having a breakout debut top-flight season and has been a delight to watch for Lagos fans and neutrals (as well as a nightmare for opposing defenders). The youngster has recorded 12 goals and 2 assists in 32 appearances. He recently hit the 12-goal mark with a strike against Warri Wolves.
Thanks to his goals, Ikorodu City currently sit 3rd in the NPFL with 55 points after 34 matches and are firmly in the title conversation. They are the league's most potent attack, having scored 37 goals (and reportedly up to 60 across all competitions/records this term).
Emerging from the NNL with the “Oga Boys,” Arumala has transitioned seamlessly into a premier goal-scoring winger. His rapid rise makes him a prime candidate for the NPFL Golden Boot and potential interest from foreign scouts. Coach Eric Chelle needs not look far for an under-study for Moses Simon.
Jonathan Mairiga (Wikki Tourists)
- Age: 25 (Born: June 12, 2000)
Mairiga has reached 10 goals in his debut campaign in the NPFL. The most productive midfielder in the division, he has 14 goal contributions (10 goals, 4 assists) in 32 appearances, often operating from a central or attacking role.
He has been an ever-present shining light for a Wikki Tourists side that occupy 18th place with 40 points. Despite their struggles, they were a top-four team earlier in the season before a significant dip.
Mairiga was instrumental in Wikki's promotion from the NNL. His ability to score from midfield has maintained his reputation as a standout player even while his team fights relegation. He may not bench Alex Iwobi in the current Super Eagles but even Chelle can't snub a player who guarantees goals from midfield.
Daddy Abdulrahman (El-Kanemi Warriors)
- Age: 22 (Born: May 15, 2003)
A disciplined central midfielder and one of the brightest young talents in the NPFL, Daddy Abdulrahman is the gem of a vibrant Plateau United.
The 22-year-old has scored 10 goals this season (including a brace against Plateau United) and provided 2 assists. He is a regular starter, known for his work rate that complements his relatively high scoring volume.
He has played a key role in getting El-Kanemi Warriors to 11th in the NPFL standings with 46 points.
Abdulrahman joined El-Kanemi in August 2025 after a stint with Shooting Stars. He is viewed as a rising box-to-box midfield talent, providing stability for the Maiduguri-based side. The Super Eagles miss the energy of Oghenekaro Etebo but Abdulrahman can step in that gap for Chelle.
Vincent Temitope (Plateau United)
- Age: 22 (Born: December 10, 2003)
Temitope has netted 10 goals and added three assists this season, serving as a primary attacking threat from the left wing. Imagine him to be a more goal-focused version of Samuel Chukwueze.
Thanks to his effectiveness in front of goal, Plateau United currently sits 8th on the log with 46 points.
Temitope joined the Jos side in 2024. His physical presence (1.85m) and versatility to play as a center-forward or winger have made him one of the league's most difficult attackers to mark.
Ayobami Junior (Shooting Stars SC)
- Age: 27 (Born: December 24, 1998)
Known as the “midfield maestro,” Ayobami leads the league’s playmaking charts with 11 assists and has also chipped in with at least 1 goal. Junior may be the oldest on this list but the visionary midfielder is certainly the brain-box of the whole division. One of his standout displays this season saw him record a hat-trick of assists in a 4-2 win over Warri Wolves.
Junior has been inspirational for a Shooting Stars (3SC) side that currently sit 5th in the NPFL with 51 points.
Already a veteran of the league, Ayobami has become the creative heartbeat of 3SC. His intelligence and two-footed ability have solidified his status as one of the best technical midfielders in Nigeria.
