The Chairman of the Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL), Gbenga Elegbeleye, has characterized Chibuike Nwaiwu’s maiden appearance for the Super Eagles as a significant validation of the domestic league’s quality. Nwaiwu earned his international stripes on Friday afternoon in Antalya, Turkey, coming on as a second-half substitute during Nigeria’s 2-1 exhibition victory over Iran’s Team Melli.
Now 22 years old, the adaptable defender was a prominent figure in the Nigerian top flight prior to his transition to European football. His domestic resume includes successful stints with both Heartland and Enyimba. Notably, Nwaiwu was a key component of the Enyimba squad that secured the NPFL championship during the 2022/23 campaign.
Following his domestic success, the defender relocated to Austria to join Wolfsberger AC, where he continued his trajectory of excellence by winning the Austrian Cup. Elegbeleye believes that Nwaiwu’s rapid ascension from the local circuits to the international stage serves as a powerful catalyst for athletes currently competing within the Nigerian league system.
According to the league chairman, such milestones prove that the NPFL remains a viable springboard for professional growth and international recognition.
“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,” Elegbeleye told the NPFL media.
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