Shooting Stars midfielder Ayobami Junior has been called up to Nigeria’s senior national team, the Super Eagles, for the upcoming 2026 Unity Cup in London, marking a historic breakthrough in his career. The 25-year-old has earned his first invitation after a stellar season in the Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL), where he led the league with 13 assists. His consistent creativity and midfield dominance have caught the eye of Super Eagles coach Éric Chelle, who has included several home-based players in his squad for the four-nation tournament scheduled from May 26 to May 30.
Ayobami’s rise to national recognition comes after years of perseverance and hard work. He revealed that he first learned of his call-up through a friend who called him in the morning, urging him to check his phone. “I said how, and he was like check your phone. Then I saw the invite. I was so happy,” he told Shooting Stars media. The moment was emotional for the midfielder, who had faced repeated disappointments in past attempts to earn a national team spot. “After all these years, you know, getting denied every time was a bit frustrating, but when I got the invite, I just said to myself, ‘Delay is not denial.’ I should just keep pushing.”
The Ibadan-based club’s improved conditions and player welfare have played a significant role in Ayobami’s development. He noted that last season, he recorded only six assists, but this season, the environment at Shooting Stars motivated him to aim higher. “I want to play for the national team, and then I want to win the league and maybe get the team to the continental stage,” he said. His 13 assists this season have made him one of the most talked-about domestic talents in Nigerian football, with Chelle reportedly monitoring NPFL performers closely before finalizing his squad.
Ayobami’s inclusion in the Super Eagles squad is seen as a major boost for home-based players, who continue to gain more recognition under Chelle’s leadership. His performance in the NPFL has not only elevated his personal profile but also highlighted the growing strength of domestic football in Nigeria. As he prepares to represent his country on the international stage, Ayobami aims to prove that his domestic success can translate into consistent performances for the Super Eagles. The Unity Cup will serve as a crucial platform for him to showcase his skills and potentially secure a longer-term role in the national team. His journey from local standout to national team call-up is a testament to persistence, talent, and the evolving landscape of Nigerian football.
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