Gbenga Elegbeleye has described Chibuike Nwaiwu’s debut for the Super Eagles as a “massive bragging rights” for the Nigeria Premier Football League, NPFL, NEWSUNPLUG reports.
Nwaiwu featured as a second half substitute in Nigeria’s 2-1 friendly victory over Iran’ Team Melli in Antalya, Turkey on Friday afternoon.
The 22-year-old was a popular figure in the NPFL before travelling abroad to continue his career.
The versatile defender played for Heartland and Enyimba in the Nigerian top-flight.
Nwaiwu won the NPFL title with Enyimba in the 2022/23 season.
He later moved to Austria to link up with Wolfsberger AC, where he won the Austrian Cup.
NPFL chairman, Elegbeleye said Nwaiwu’s massive rise will motivate other local players.
“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.