Shooting Stars midfielder Ayobami Junior has been called up to the Super Eagles squad for the upcoming Unity Cup tournament in London, marking his first-ever invitation to the national team. The 27-year-old, who has been a key performer for Shooting Stars in the Nigeria Premier Football League this season, joins a group of seven NPFL players selected by coach Eric Chelle for the four-nation competition set to take place later this month. His inclusion is seen as a testament to the growing talent within the domestic league and highlights the increasing focus on NPFL stars by the Super Eagles technical crew.
Ayobami’s consistent performances in midfield, characterized by his technical ability, intelligent positioning, and high work rate, reportedly caught the eye of scouts monitoring NPFL matches. His recent form was further reinforced by a goal in Shooting Stars’ 2-1 FA Cup win over Kebbi United on Wednesday, showcasing his ability to deliver under pressure. Speaking in a video shared on X, the former Kwara United midfielder expressed overwhelming joy at the call-up, calling it a dream come true. “It is every player’s dream to represent his country,” he said. “When I got the invitation, I was so excited and it was left for me to go and prove myself.”
He also emphasized the significance of having multiple NPFL players selected, noting that it reflects the depth and quality of talent available in the domestic league. “Like seven of us were invited and it is a good one for the NPFL. We could tell that there are good and quality players in the NPFL,” Ayobami added. His comments underscore a growing recognition of NPFL players as viable options for national team selection, especially in competitions that provide a platform for emerging talent.
Other NPFL stars named in the Unity Cup squad include Tosin Oyedokun, Aderemi Adeoye, and Michael Atata from Ikorodu City, Chibueze Oputa and Obinna Igboke from Rangers International, and Elias Ochobi from Rivers United. This diverse group of players represents a broad cross-section of the NPFL, further reinforcing the league’s role in nurturing national team prospects. The Unity Cup, set to take place in London, will offer these players a chance to showcase their abilities on an international stage and potentially earn a place in future Super Eagles campaigns.
As the tournament approaches, Ayobami and his teammates are expected to bring energy, skill, and determination to the competition. Their participation not only boosts the profile of the NPFL but also opens doors for more domestic players to gain national team experience. The selection of these players signals a shift toward greater inclusivity and talent scouting within Nigeria’s football ecosystem, with the potential to strengthen the Super Eagles in the long term.
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