The World Cup isn’t due for another two months, but national teams have started preparations for the flagship football competition already. Nigeria and the Super Eagles will not be participating, of course, and with little competition on their calendar for the year, the team has arranged a few friendlies along with everyone else.
It was no surprise too that head coach Eric Chelle added five new names to his 23-man squad last week. While the list omitted key names like Victor Osimhen and Stanley Nwabali, it featured fresh blood, both from the NPFL and European leagues.
Considering that the games have lesser sporting importance than actual competitions, it was almost expected that we will see action from the debutants this month.
Chelle was definitely thinking along those lines, starting Igoh Ogbu, and introducing Emmanuel Fernandez and Chibuike Nwaiwu later in the second half. The center-backs proved to be competent replacements too, as the Super Eagles ended up with a 2 – 1 victory over Iran.
Adams Continues Decent Form
The Sevilla striker led the attack on Friday, adding yet another goal to his tally for the Super Eagles. Moses Simon opened the scoring in the sixth minute, latching on to a pass from Samuel Chukwueze and holding off his marker to finish expertly at the left near post.
The contest saw action on both ends, as Iran sought to find their leveller, but that was not to be. Or at least, Akor Adams made sure of that in the 51st minute. Ademola Lookman was provider this time, slipping a clever pass through to Adams, who did well to keep his composure and find the back of the net clinically.
The Iranians upped their ante afterwards, pressing the Super Eagles eagerly, this time, to find a way back into the game. They got a reward of sorts eventually, with Mehdi Taremi knocking home a rebound after goalie Maduka Okoye parried a header from a corner-kick situation.
It was quite end-to-end from then on, with the Super Eagles holding on to the win with little event.
Debutants in Defence
The Super Eagles debutants had a straightforward test against Iran, with all three defenders contributing to the victory.
Igoh Ogbu has had a turbulent season with Slavia Praha so far, after two seasons at the core of the Czech club’s defense. While his season has been marred by injuries and recovery periods, the 26-year-old is looking to regain form and consistency, while securing a stable place on Eric Chelle’s national team squad.
Emmanuel Fernandez plies his trade at Rangers, where he has cemented his status as a regular in the starting line-up, appearing in 21 games out of 31 in the Scottish Premiership. The center back has scored 5 goals in the league this season, contributing to his team’s title charge as they sit three points behind leaders Hearts.
He seems to be one of Chelle’s rather elite finds in defense, and, following star captain William Troost-Ekong’s retirement, the 24-year-old Fernandez could prove to be a valuable addition to the Super Eagles’ defensive ranks.
Chibuike Nwaiwu is the youngest of the three debutantes, aged 22 years, and already ripping it up on the big stages in Europe. He moved clubs in January 2026, swapping Austrian midbeaters Wolfsberger AC for Turkish powerhouse Trabzonspor in a 5.5 million euro deal.
He has settled into life in Turkey quite well too, starting 10 games since mid-January and contributing two goals and an assist in tow.
What’s Next?
There is little competitive excitement to look forward to in 2026 for the Super Eagles, but instead of laying back, this represents a time for the national team to bolster its ranks. The focus on calling up high-performing players across Europe is a positive sign going forward, as the average Nigerian football fan is frustrated seeing indigenous Nigerian football players sign up for other countries.
This international break has seen three of such players step onto the international scene, with forwards Philip Otele (Hamburger SV) and Yira Collins Sor (KRC Genk) waiting their turn to feature in the starting line-up.
They might very well get that chance, as the Super Eagles face off Jordan to end this mid-season international break.
