Former World Cup star, Samson Siasia, began his reign as Super Eagles coach with an international friendly against Sierra Leone in Lagos, on Wednesday.

Super Eagles players during the match against Leone Stars. Photo by Sylva Eleanya.

Interestingly, Siasia invited four players from the NPL star-studded ‘Super Eagles’ squad that usually converged on Abuja regularly after their weekend matches.

In this report, we serve you with profiles of the NPL quartet, who have shone like a million stars in the NPL this season and justified their inclusion in the coach Samson Siasia squad that took on Sierra Leone in Wednesday’s friendly.

Chibuzor Okonkwo-Heartland
The versatile Okonkwo is the only player who has been with some of the Nigeria ‘A’ stars over the years. Call him the biggest star in the Nigeria Premier League and you won’t be wrong.

He was at the Beijing 2008 Olympics where he excelled with the squad and confirmed his ability to operate anywhere on the field.

The former Gabros and Bayelsa United defender has promised to always justify his inclusion in the Super Eagles any time he is called upon.

“It was good to be in the team for the friendly. It shows that I have continued to do well since the Olympics in Beijing. I intend to always do my best so as to justify subsequent invitations,” the defender said to SuperSport.com.

Perhaps, the only ‘sin’ Okonkwo has committed for his absence from the Eagles under previous coaches is his inability to secure a foreign club. However, all that will soon be history as he is close to a deal with a Dutch side after the cancellation of his contract at Russia outfit, FC Rostov.

The defender revealed that he’s still confident of a move abroad.

“Every footballer aspires to reach the next level. By God’s Grace that will be a reality,” he said.
Okonkwo is one of the few goal-scoring defenders in the land and was part of the Nigeria ‘B’ team that won the Wafu Cup, last year.

Ekigho Ehiosun – Warri Wolves
This Warri Wolves forward is the new kid on the block.

The departure of Wolves forward, Fengor Ogude, to Norwegian side, Valenrenga, provided more opportunities for him to showcase his stuff and he has not disappointed the club and fans.

Ehiosun got double joy when his invitation to the Super Eagles squad for the Sierra-Leone friendly coincided with his hat_trick against Wafu champions, Sharks, which entered the history books as the first hat-trick this term.

Before this hat-trick, Ehiosun had also registered a brace against star-studded Heartland.

Although he missed the limelight last season due to the impressive performance of former Kano Pillars forward, Ahmed Musa, who scored 18 goals to set a new all-time record and Tornadoes’ Eugene Salami, who scored 17 goals, to finish behind Musa, Ehiosun still ended the season amongst the top scorers.

The Wolves star has simply continued from where he stopped last term to showcase what he knows best.
Ehiosun’s profile has already made him a target of top foreign clubs.

He was at Norwegian side, Stabæk IF, for trials in January 2009 and recently returned from Qatar.
He is one of the top stars in Siasia’s NPL Super Eagles.

Abdulwasiu Sowemimo – Kano Pillars
Sowemimo is one of the most consistent central defenders in the Nigeria Premier League.

The central defender has been with Kano Pillars since they won the league in 2008 and contributed immensely to their Caf Champions League success in 2009.

He was the commander_in_chief of Pillars’ defence when they recorded the historic elimination of perennial African champions, Al_Ahly in the 2009 Caf Champions League.

Sowemimo is one of the reasons why Kano Pillars have been on a high in recent times.

He is not the usual rough central defender, but displays a high sense of perfection that would delight any coach.

It’s no surprise that his defensive qualities have enabled him to worm his way into the hearts of Siasia and his backroom staff in the Super Eagles.

Julius Ubido – Heartland
Julius Ubido is a quiet worker at Heartland, whose work_rate clearly stands out.

The midfielder was one of the outstanding players when Heartland reached the finals of the 2009 Caf Champions League.

Ubido retained his position in the team even when Super Eagles boss arrived Heartland to lead the club in the 2010 Caf Champions League campaign.

He is the delight of any coach with his sublime skills and all_round ability.

The midfielder, who is in his fourth straight season with the ‘Naze Millionaires’, is very much part of the first_team squad.

His influence on the team has earned him the captain’s band in some matches played this term.