Super Eagles head coach Eric Chelle has received an encouraging injury update ahead of his squad announcement for Nigeria’s November international fixtures, with Rangers defender Emmanuel Fernandez expected to return to training on Thursday.
The 24-year-old centre-back sustained an ankle injury during Rangers’ 1-0 victory over Aberdeen in Saturday’s Premier Sports Cup semi-final at Hampden Park.
The injury initially raised concerns about his availability for Rangers’ Scottish Premiership meeting with St Mirren this weekend.
However, Rangers manager Derek McInnes has offered a positive update, saying Fernandez is expected to resume training ahead of Saturday’s fixture.
“Fernandez, his ankle was a bit of a mess after the game on Saturday,” McInnes said on Wednesday.
“He twisted that, but he’s due to train tomorrow and will be fine for the game on Saturday.”
The update will be welcome news for Chelle as he prepares to select his squad for Nigeria’s upcoming 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying matches against Tanzania.
The Super Eagles are scheduled to host Tanzania at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium in Uyo on November 13 before travelling to Dar es Salaam for the return fixture on November 17.
Fernandez’s expected return to training offers encouragement, although his fitness and availability for Nigeria’s matches will depend on his recovery and subsequent assessment.
