Okonkwo in top 5 rising stars who could earn first Super Eagles call-ups for Jordan, Iraq

Nigeria’s Super Eagles are entering a new phase. After winning bronze at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations, the three-time continental champions now want to push further and challenge for major trophies again, Afrik-Foot reports.

Head coach Eric Chelle is expected to use the upcoming friendlies against Jordan and Iraq as an opportunity to refresh the squad. The games could allow him to test new players while keeping the core that helped Nigeria finish third in Africa.

Several emerging talents across Europe have caught the eye this season. Their performances have sparked discussions about possible first invitations to the Super Eagles. Some offer solutions in key positions where Nigeria need depth, such as goalkeeping, defence, and midfield. Others provide pace and versatility in attack.

Five players in particular have stood out during the 2025/26 season. If Chelle wants to inject fresh energy into the squad, these names could be among the most exciting debutants.

5 rising stars ready for first Super Eagles call-up

Arthur Okonkwo, AFC Wrexham

Goalkeeper Arthur Okonkwo has quietly built an impressive reputation in the EFL Championship with Wrexham AFC.

The 2025/26 season has been a busy one for the 24-year-old. He has already made 34 league appearances, playing almost 3,000 minutes. During that time he has kept nine clean sheets and produced 90 saves, placing him among the division’s most active shot-stoppers.

His 69% save percentage shows reliability, while a recent 8.6-rated performance against Swansea City highlighted his ability to dominate matches. That display helped Wrexham secure a valuable 2-0 win.

Perhaps the biggest development came earlier this year when FIFA cleared Okonkwo to represent Nigeria internationally. With the Super Eagles still searching for long-term stability in goal, his composure, height, and strong reflexes could make him an attractive option.

Chelle may see him as a goalkeeper who can compete with established names while gradually preparing to become a future number one.

Chibuike Nwaiwu, Trabzonspor

Few defenders have enjoyed a more remarkable season than Chibuike Nwaiwu.

The young centre-back began the campaign with Wolfsberger AC in Austria before moving to Trabzonspor in the Turkish Süper Lig in January 2026.

Since arriving in Turkey, he has quickly established himself as one of the team’s most dependable defenders. Across both clubs he has played 24 matches, scored three goals, and recorded an impressive 91.6% pass completion rate.

His ability on the ball is one reason analysts rate him highly. The CIES Football Observatory even ranked him the best U-23 centre-back in the world for ground defending outside Europe’s top five leagues.

Nwaiwu also carries an attacking threat. In February he scored two goals in a single match against Fatih Karagümrük, earning a superb 9.1 rating.

Nigeria have traditionally relied on physically strong defenders. Nwaiwu adds something different: a calm ball-playing defender who can help the team build attacks from the back.

Justin Njinmah, Werder Bremen

Forward Justin Njinmah has been steadily making his mark with Werder Bremen in the Bundesliga.

While he is not yet a prolific scorer, the 25-year-old offers valuable versatility. This season he has played as a centre-forward, winger, and attacking midfielder, appearing 24 times in the league and scoring four goals.

His best performance came in a thrilling 3-3 draw against Eintracht Frankfurt, where he scored and earned an 8.0 match rating.

What truly sets Njinmah apart is his speed. Known as one of the fastest players in Germany’s top flight, his acceleration allows him to stretch defences and create space for teammates.

For Nigeria, that type of pace could be extremely useful. With stars like Victor Osimhen often leading the line, Njinmah’s direct running could provide width and quick counter-attacking options.

Lesley Ugochukwu, Burnley

Midfielder Lesley Ugochukwu has become a key figure at Burnley in the Premier League.

Despite Burnley’s struggles near the bottom of the table, the young midfielder has remained one of the team’s most consistent performers. He has made 29 league appearances, scoring three goals and providing one assist.

Ugochukwu’s main strength is his physical presence. He breaks up attacks, wins tackles, and helps protect the defence. Over the season he has recorded dozens of tackles and interceptions, showing his value as a defensive midfielder.

He has also started contributing in attack, scoring important goals against Aston Villa and Fulham, and assisting in a victory over Crystal Palace.

Nigeria already possess creative midfielders, but adding a strong ball-winner like Ugochukwu could give the team more balance.

Emmanuel Fernandez, Rangers

One more name that could enter the conversation for a maiden Nigeria call-up is centre-back Emmanuel Fernandez, who has been outstanding since joining Rangers.

Fernandez arrived in Scotland in July 2025 in a £2.5 million transfer from Peterborough United. At first, many fans were unsure whether the defender could step up to the demands of a club that regularly competes for trophies and European football.

But within months, the tall centre-back had completely changed that narrative.

The 24-year-old has become a dominant presence in Rangers’ defence during the Scottish Premiership season. Across all competitions he has already made 25 appearances, playing more than 2,000 minutes and helping the team record 10 clean sheets.

His performances have been so strong that he now holds an impressive 7.71 FotMob rating and 7.38 WhoScored rating, boosting his growing reputation as one of the most reliable defenders in Scotland.

What makes Fernandez especially interesting for Nigeria is his ability to contribute goals from defence.

He has already scored five league goals, an exceptional tally for a centre-back and one that places him among the most productive defenders in Europe this season.

His aerial strength at set pieces has become a major weapon. Corners and free kicks aimed into the penalty area often find Fernandez rising above defenders, making him a constant threat.

For the Super Eagles, who have sometimes struggled to convert set pieces, this could be a valuable extra dimension.

Fernandez’s impact is not only about goals. His overall defensive performance has been equally impressive.

He keeps possession well, recording around 91% passing accuracy in all competitions. His ability to read the game and distribute the ball calmly from the back has been a key reason Rangers have trusted him with a regular starting role.

His leadership was particularly evident in January 2026, when he was voted the club’s Player of the Month. During that period, Rangers conceded only one goal, with Fernandez at the heart of a disciplined defensive line.

If Eric Chelle decides to call him or any of the others up for the March friendlies, Nigerian fans may get a glimpse of the next generation of Super Eagles talent. And those first appearances could be the beginning of something much bigger.