Allnigeriasoccer.com can exclusively report that Eric Chelle has been sounded out about the potential inclusion of Emmanuel Fernandez in the Super Eagles squad ahead of their international fixtures in March 2026.

Born in London, the highly-rated Rangers centre-back has impressed in recent weeks after breaking into the Scottish giants' starting lineup. 

Fernandez has pledged his international future to Nigeria, opting to represent the Super Eagles over his country of birth, England.

At present, there has been no direct contact between Chelle and Fernandez, though that could change in the coming weeks if the defender receives positive evaluations from the scouting team.

Chelle's scouts are expected to thoroughly assess the dual-national defender before a decision is made on whether to extend an invitation to the 24-year-old for next month's fixtures.

Fernandez will be hoping to follow in the footsteps of former Rangers stars Calvin Bassey and Joe Aribo, both of whom earned their Nigeria debuts while at Ibrox.

The Malian tactician will oversee the Super Eagles in the first Fifa international window of 2026 amid speculation linking him to the vacant managerial position at Marseille.

Chelle has ruled himself out of consideration for the Marseille role, expressing confidence that former Aston Villa and Newcastle United right-back Habib Beye will secure the position.

The coach has roughly one year remaining on his contract with the Super Eagles, whom he led to a third-place finish at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations.

Ifeanyi Emmanuel