Chelle eyes foreign Eagles to strengthen Nigerian team News

Super Eagles coach Eric Chelle is targeting foreign-born players to strengthen Nigeria’s squad following growing interest from dual-nationality stars eligible to represent the country, PUNCH Sports Extra reports.

The Malian tactician has already secured commitments from defenders Felix Agu and Ryan Alebiosu, as well as Wrexham goalkeeper Arthur Okonkwo, and is reportedly in talks with five other eligible players.

According to recent reports, Rangers defender Emmanuel Fernandez has also pledged his international future to Nigeria, becoming the latest foreign-born player to commit to the Super Eagles.

“We have a couple of players who were born abroad, who want to play for the team and we are looking at how they will fit in. We can’t bring all of them into the team,” Chelle said in quotes shared by Super Eagles Supporters Club (@official_esclub on X).

“We will however pick those that we know can bring competition to the team, improve the team and also fit our game project.”

Fernandez, 24, was born in London to parents of Nigerian descent and has been a revelation in the Scottish League this season. The centre-back has scored four goals from 17 games and won Rangers’ Player of the Month award for January.

He was reportedly close to joining German Bundesliga side Borussia Dortmund in the January transfer window and is expected to be part of Chelle’s plans for the March international window.

The Super Eagles squad at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco, where Nigeria finished third, featured several dual-nationality players, including Semi Ajayi, Calvin Bassey, Alex Iwobi, Ademola Lookman, Ryan Alebiosu, and Fisayo Dele-Bashiru.

Chelle’s approach signals a new era for the Super Eagles, blending local experience with foreign-born talent while maintaining tactical cohesion.