Nigeria Vs Libya: Five NPFL stars who deserve Super Eagles call-up

The 2024/2025 Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) season has brought exciting football action and some standout performances from home based players. With Nigeria set to face Libya in the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifiers this October, it’s the perfect time to consider including some of the NPFL’s top talents in the Super Eagles squad.

SportsRations’ Nsikakabasi Akpan presents five NPFL stars who deserve a chance to represent Nigeria in the upcoming qualifiers.

1. Adewale Adeyinka (Goalkeeper, Plateau United) 
   Adewale Adeyinka, the Plateau United shot-stopper, has been in excellent form this season and deserves a return to the Super Eagles.  With former home-based goalkeepers Ojo Olorunleke and Amas Obasogie moving abroad, Adeyinka’s previous experience with the national team gives him an edge to fill the gap.

   

2. Imoh Obot (Left-Back, Enyimba FC)
   Enyimba’s Imoh Obot has been solid at left-back, and with Nigeria needing more options in this position, especially after Bruno Onyeamachi’s last appearance, Obot is the right man. His ability to make clean tackles, deliver dangerous crosses, and score from set-pieces makes him an ideal candidate for the Super Eagles.

   

3. Sodiq Ismail (Right-Back, Remo Stars)
   Sodiq Ismail has had a fantastic start to the season, scoring three goals as a defender. The one-cap Super Eagles player is in top form, and his contributions have been vital to Remo Stars’ unbeaten run. With his club coach Daniel Ogunmodede also an assistant coach for the national team, Sodiq could be in line for a recall.

   

   Manyo Stephen on Blue goes in for a tackle during Rivers United vs Enyimba FC.
4. Manyo Stephen (Central Defender, Rivers United)
   Rivers United’s central defender has been rock-solid this season, playing a key role in their unbeaten start. His defensive performances have helped solidify Finidi George’s side, and his hard work deserves recognition at the national level.

   

5. Kazeem Ogunleye (Midfielder, Rangers International)
   Kazeem Ogunleye has shown creativity and attacking intent from midfield, a trait missing in the current Super Eagles setup. His standout moment came when he scored the match-winner in Rangers International’s CAF Champions League victory over Sagrada Esperanca. His vision, passing, and ability to score from long range make him a strong contender for a call-up.

The four-week-old 2024/2025 NPFL season has given us some thrilling football and standout performances. It would be fantastic to see at least five NPFL players called up for the Nigeria vs. Libya AFCON qualifiers this month. The players have been living up to expectations, and calling them up will boost their morale and motivate others. While the final decision lies with Coach Augustine Eguavoen, these NPFL stars and others have shown they are ready.