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Nigeria-Eligible Emmanuel Fernandez Scores Sixth Goal of the Season as Super Eagles Call-Up Pressure Builds on Chelle

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Emmanuel Fernandez is making it increasingly difficult for Nigeria to look away.

The 24-year-old Rangers centre-back, born in London to Nigerian parents and eligible for both England and Nigeria, has netted his sixth goal of the season — a remarkable return for a defender in only his debut campaign in Scottish football. The goal adds yet another chapter to what has become one of the most compelling stories in European football this term, and the calls for Super Eagles coach Eric Chelle to hand him an international debut are growing louder by the week.

Fernandez joined Rangers last summer from Peterborough United for a fee of just under three million euros — a relatively modest outlay for a player who has quickly proven to be worth significantly more. Tall, commanding in the air, and composed when playing out from the back, he has slotted into the heart of the Rangers defence as though he has been there for years. His ability to contribute at both ends of the pitch has been particularly striking, and his goal tally this season is the kind of statistic that turns heads at clubs far bigger than those currently monitoring him.

And those clubs are not small. Reports have confirmed that Arsenal, Chelsea, and Bayern Munich are all keeping a close eye on his progress, with Rangers believed to value him at upwards of £10 million despite having paid a fraction of that just months ago. The Scottish club is in no hurry to sell, and given his contract does not expire until 2029, they hold all the cards — for now.

On the international front, Fernandez has made no secret of his desire to represent Nigeria. Despite having every right to pursue a future with England, he has chosen the Super Eagles, and that choice has reportedly been noted by Chelle and his scouting staff. Nigeria boss Chelle has now publicly confirmed that the defender is on his radar ahead of the March international window, when the Super Eagles are scheduled to face Jordan and Iran in friendly matches — games that could serve as the perfect opportunity to introduce fresh faces to the squad.

The timing is significant. Nigeria missed out on the 2026 FIFA World Cup after a contentious play-off defeat to DR Congo — a result the NFF is currently appealing — and the defensive unit is in transition. William Troost-Ekong has hinted at stepping back from international football, leaving a gap that Fernandez appears naturally suited to fill. His composure, his aerial dominance, and his ability to read the game at the highest level make him precisely the type of player Chelle has said he wants to build around.

Fernandez’s story is one that resonates far beyond football. He came up through the lower reaches of English football, spending time on loan at non-league clubs like Sheppey United and Margate before gradually working his way up to the Championship and eventually Scotland. He wears the number 37 shirt at Rangers in tribute to his brother, who passed away at that age — a detail that has endeared him to supporters at Ibrox and beyond. His favourite Afrobeat artist, for those wondering, is Asake.

He was voted Rangers’ Men’s Player of the Month for January after a run of performances in which the club conceded just a single league goal, and his ratings across platforms like FotMob have consistently placed him among the best centre-backs in the Scottish Premiership this season.

If Chelle calls him up in March, it will be the latest step in a rise that few could have predicted when Fernandez was playing in front of a few hundred people in England’s lower leagues. But football has a way of finding its people — and right now, Emmanuel Fernandez is exactly where he is supposed to be.

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MK Dons Captain Favour Omenazu Gets First Super Falcons Call-Up After Choosing Nigeria

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Milton Keynes Dons captain Favour Omenazu has received her first-ever call-up to the Nigeria senior women’s national team after committing her international future to the Super Falcons.

Omenazu was included in Nigeria’s squad for the upcoming 2028 Los Angeles Olympic qualifying fixtures against Comoros, marking a major milestone in the 24-year-old’s career.

The midfielder, who is also eligible to represent England, publicly expressed her desire to play for Nigeria earlier this year. She said representing the country would be a proud moment because of her Nigerian heritage and family roots.

Omenazu also said her ambition was not simply to earn a place in the national team but to contribute to the Super Falcons’ success.

The MK Dons captain has developed into an important player for the English club and is known for her versatility. Although she primarily operates as a midfielder, she has also impressed at right-back, a position where she has earned several Player of the Match awards.

Her football journey began at Leicester City before spells with Bugbrooke St Michaels, Northampton Town and Stourbridge preceded her move to MK Dons.

Omenazu’s invitation comes as Nigeria prepares for a two-legged Olympic qualifying tie against Comoros.

The first leg is scheduled for October 9, while the return fixture will take place on October 13. Both matches are set to be played at the Remo Stars Stadium in Ikenne-Remo because Comoros does not have a CAF-approved venue for the fixture.

The Super Falcons have also been dealing with several player withdrawals ahead of the qualifiers, creating opportunities for new faces to join the squad.

Omenazu has now joined the group in camp as Nigeria begins preparations for the crucial Olympic qualifying encounter.

The call-up gives the MK Dons captain an opportunity to make her senior international debut and begin her journey with the Super Falcons after choosing Nigeria over England.

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BREAKING: Cristiano Ronaldo Walks Away From Portugal Camp After Jorge Jesus Snub

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Cristiano Ronaldo has sensationally walked away from Portugal’s national-team camp after head coach Jorge Jesus confirmed that the five-time Ballon d’Or winner would not start the upcoming match against Denmark.
The dramatic development follows Ronaldo’s shock omission from Portugal’s 2–1 victory over Norway, where he spent the entire match on the bench despite warming up.


Ronaldo has now broken his silence, revealing that he decided to leave the camp following Jesus’ press conference and a conversation with Portuguese Football Federation president Pedro Proença.


“After the press conference of the National Team Coach, and following a conversation with the President of the Portuguese Football Federation, I decided to leave the National Team camp,” Ronaldo said.


The Portugal captain added that he would eventually reveal the reasons behind his decision, before wishing the national team and his teammates well.


The timing has immediately raised questions over whether Ronaldo has effectively called time on his international career.
However, there is currently no confirmed official announcement that Ronaldo has permanently retired from international football. What is confirmed is that he has left the camp amid an escalating dispute over his role under Jorge Jesus.

After more than two decades of carrying Portugal’s No. 7 shirt, the football world is now waiting for Ronaldo’s next move — and, crucially, the explanation he has promised to give.

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Super Eagles Beat Madagascar 2-1 in AFCON 2027 Qualifier as Ilenikhena, Usor Score

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Nigeria’s Super Eagles have begun their 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying campaign with a 2-1 comeback victory over Madagascar at the Godswill Akpabio Stadium in Uyo.

The visitors took an early lead in the 16th minute when Clément Couturier headed Ryan Ponti’s cross beyond the Nigerian defence to put Madagascar 1-0 ahead.

Nigeria responded with sustained pressure as George Ilenikhena came close on several occasions. The young forward eventually got his reward in first-half stoppage time after Alex Iwobi picked him out inside the box. Ilenikhena calmly placed the ball into the bottom-left corner to restore parity.

The Super Eagles returned for the second half looking for a winner, with Ademola Lookman and Calvin Bassey both going close.

Coach Eric Chelle then made changes, bringing on Moses Usor and Moses Simon in an attempt to add more attacking energy.

The substitutions quickly paid off.

In the 65th minute, Usor collected a pass from Semi Ajayi inside Nigeria’s half, drove forward past two Madagascar players and finished with his left foot to give Nigeria a 2-1 advantage.

The goal marked an impressive competitive debut for the LASK winger.

Madagascar refused to give up and created opportunities as they searched for an equaliser. Nigeria also had chances to extend their lead, but the Super Eagles ultimately held on to secure all three points.

The victory gives Nigeria a positive start in Group L of the AFCON 2027 qualifiers. Their next assignment will be an away match against Guinea-Bissau on September 29.

The 2027 AFCON finals will be hosted by Kenya, Tanzania and Uganda, with Tanzania already assured of a place as one of the co-hosts.

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