Rivers United defence stalwart Ifeanyi Anaemena says the upcoming international friendly match between Nigeria and Mexico is a ‘great opportunity’ for Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL) stars to ‘show what stuff we are made of’.

Anaemena is among 25 NPFL players called up for the friendly between the Super Eagles and CONCACAF Gold Cup champions, Mexico on 3 July at the famous Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum in California, USA.

The match against the Mexicans surely presents the NPFL players – who have been largely overlooked by Eagles coach Gernot Rohr – a platform to prove they are good enough for a place in the main squad.

In addition to showcasing the quality in the NPFL to the world, the former Enyimba centre-back is confident the players selected for the encounter are capable of making Nigeria proud against their more illustrious opponents.

“To be specific, I have to say that it’s a great opportunity for the NPFL players,” the 29-year old said. “Not just going to play a home-based team, but the Mexico national team.

“So, I think it’s a good platform for us, and it’s also going to show the character and discipline we have in the home-based team and in our league – the NPFL.

“So, I think it’s a great opportunity, and I believe that with what we have on ground – the selection that has been made, the coaches that are going to take us on, I think that we are going out there to make Nigeria proud, and to show what stuff we are made of.

“It’s a good platform for the NPFL players, and I know that we are going to do good there in USA.”

The team, which is expected to form the bulk of the next CHAN squad for Nigeria, will be led to battle against Mexico by the Technical Director of the Nigeria Football Federation Austin Eguavoen.