NPFL Chairman Gbenga Elegbeleye has hailed Chibuike Nwaiwu’s international debut as a major victory for the reputation of the Nigeria Premier Football League.
Speaking to NPFL media, Elegbeleye noted that the defender’s rise to the national team serves as a powerful motivator for home-based players.Nwaiwu, 22, earned his first cap as a second-half substitute during Nigeria’s 2-1 friendly win over Iran in Antalya, Turkey.
Before moving to Europe, Nwaiwu was a standout talent in the Nigerian top-flight, featuring for Heartland and winning the NPFL title with Enyimba in the 2022/23 season.
“This is a massive bragging right for the NPFL,” Elegbeleye stated. “It will motivate our league players to up their game to get scouted by foreign clubs and our national team handlers.”
Since leaving Nigeria, the versatile defender has continued his success in Austria with Wolfsberger AC, where he recently secured the Austrian Cup.