Former Nigeria international Juwon Oshaniwa has urged the newly invited and home-based Super Eagles players to fully maximize their opportunity at the upcoming Unity Cup tournament.
Speaking ahead of Nigeria’s opening game, Oshaniwa stressed that this moment represents a major platform for domestic league players to finally prove their quality at international level.
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“This is a massive opportunity for the home-based players,” Oshaniwa said.
According to the former Super Eagles defender, local players have spent years calling for more inclusion in the national team setup and must now justify that demand with strong performances.
“Now is the time to showcase themselves properly,” he implied.
Oshaniwa explained that the Unity Cup could become a turning point for several NPFL stars hoping to establish themselves permanently within the national team.
“They have to take this chance seriously,” he noted.
The former international also encouraged the players to approach the tournament with confidence and belief rather than fear.
“This is their moment to shine,” he added.
Nigeria’s Unity Cup squad is expected to feature several fresh faces as coach Eric Chelle continues rebuilding the Super Eagles ahead of the 2027 AFCON qualifiers.
“The competition for places is becoming more intense,” many football observers believe.
Oshaniwa remains hopeful that strong displays from the domestic players can help change long-standing perceptions surrounding home-based footballers.
“The talent in the league is real,” he stressed.
For the former Super Eagles defender, the message is clear.
Play without fear.
Take the opportunity seriously.
And prove the quality of Nigerian domestic football.
Because national team chances can redefine careers when players rise to the occasion.
