Gbenga Elegbeleye Hails Nwaiwu’s Super Eagles Debut as NPFL Success Story

Chairman of the Nigeria Premier Football League, Gbenga Elegbeleye, has praised Chibuike Nwaiwu following his debut for the Nigeria’s senior men’s national team.

The Trabzonspor defender came on in the second half to replace Igoh Ogbu during Nigeria’s 2–1 friendly victory over Iran national football team on Friday.

Nwaiwu’s journey to the national team has been marked by steady progress through the domestic league. He previously featured for Heartland FC and Enyimba FC before securing a move abroad.

The 22-year-old was part of the Enyimba squad that clinched a record-extending ninth NPFL title during the 2022/23 season.

He later moved to Wolfsberger AC, where he won the Austrian Cup, before sealing a transfer to Trabzonspor in January.

Elegbeleye described the defender’s rapid rise as a significant source of pride for the domestic league, emphasizing its importance as a pathway for talent development.

“This is a massive bragging right for the NPFL. It will motivate our league players to up their game to get scouted by foreign clubs and our national team handlers,” he told NPFL media.

Nwaiwu’s breakthrough is seen as further proof of the growing impact of the NPFL in producing players capable of competing at the highest level.