By Peter Omopo
Head coach of the Super Eagles, , has stepped up efforts to strengthen Nigeria’s national team by recruiting foreign-born players eligible to represent the country.
The Malian tactician has already secured commitments from defenders and , as well as , who plays for . The move is part of a broader strategy to deepen competition and improve quality within the squad.
Rangers centre-back is the latest player to pledge his international future to Nigeria, reportedly opting to represent the three-time African champions.
Speaking on the growing interest from overseas-born players, Chelle stressed that selection would be based strictly on merit.
“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 comments shared by the Super Eagles Supporters Club on social media.
He added that only players capable of enhancing competition and fitting into the team’s tactical project would be considered.
Fernandez, 24, was born in London to Nigerian parents and has impressed in the Scottish League this season, scoring four goals in 17 appearances for . The defender also won the club’s Player of the Month award for January and was reportedly close to sealing a move to during the January transfer window.
He is expected to feature prominently in Chelle’s plans ahead of the March international fixtures.
Nigeria’s third-place finish at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco highlighted the increasing influence of dual-nationality players within the national setup. The squad included the likes of , , , , Alebiosu and , reflecting a deliberate blend of homegrown and foreign-developed talent.
With competition for places intensifying, Chelle’s recruitment drive signals a new phase in the Super Eagles’ evolution — one focused on depth, diversity, and tactical balance.
