Eguavoen Explains Papa Daniel’s First Super Eagles Call Up

Nigeria Football Federation’s Technical Director, Augustine Eguavoen, has defended the selection of Papa Daniel Mustapha in the Super Eagles squad for the upcoming 2026 World Cup qualifiers against Rwanda and Zimbabwe.

Eguavoen revealed that the decision to include the midfielder was based on extensive scouting by himself, head coach Eric Chelle, and several Nigeria Professional Football League NPFL coaches. He emphasized that NPFL players must be given opportunities in the national team to showcase their talent on the international stage.

For the March qualifiers, Chelle has called up two players from the domestic league Papa Daniel and goalkeeper Kayode Bankole. Eguavoen admitted that he initially planned to hand Nasarawa United’s Victor Collins his debut during Nigeria’s AFCON qualifier against Rwanda in November but was unable to do so as the team was trailing.

Eguavoen further explained that he first watched Papa Daniel play during a visit to Remo Stars’ training camp. He was impressed with the midfielder’s abilities and received further endorsements from his coaching colleagues, including those from Remo Stars and Rangers International.

Papa Daniel now has the opportunity to compete for a midfield role alongside established Super Eagles players like Wilfred Ndidi, Alex Iwobi, and Joe Aribo, as well as rising prospects Raphael Onyedika and Alhassan Yusuf.

Editorial

Papa Daniel’s Super Eagles call-up sparks an important conversation about the role of NPFL players in the national team. For years, there has been an ongoing debate about whether home-based talents get enough opportunities at the highest level. With the majority of Nigeria’s squad being foreign-based, many argue that NPFL players should be given more chances to prove themselves on the international stage.

Eguavoen’s decision to back Daniel’s inclusion is a step in the right direction. If Nigeria wants to develop its local league and ensure its sustainability, integrating NPFL players into the national team setup is essential. It boosts their confidence, increases competition, and gives the league greater visibility.

However, for this approach to be successful, there must be a balance. While selecting home-based players is commendable, it should be done based on merit and not just as a symbolic gesture. The Super Eagles are competing for a spot in the World Cup, and only the best should be selected, regardless of where they play. If Daniel and other NPFL players prove they can perform at the highest level, their inclusion should be normalized rather than seen as an exception.

This selection should not be a one-time occurrence. Nigerian coaches must consistently scout, develop, and integrate NPFL talents, ensuring that the local league remains competitive and a reliable talent pool for the national team. If given the right support, more players from the NPFL can rise to prominence and prove they belong on the biggest stage.

Did You Know?

1. The last NPFL player to start a competitive match for the Super Eagles was Anayo Iwuala in 2021.
2. Nigeria’s domestic league once dominated the national team setup, with the 1980 and 1994 AFCON-winning squads featuring many home-based players.
3. Wilfred Ndidi, Alex Iwobi, and Joe Aribo three of Nigeria’s key midfielders were all developed in Europe and never played in the NPFL.
4. Eric Chelle, Nigeria’s current head coach, is Malian and previously managed African club sides before taking charge of the Super Eagles.
5. The NPFL has produced players who later became global stars, including Vincent Enyeama, Mikel Obi, and Ahmed Musa.