Super Eagles squad vs Tanzania: How Semi Ajayi could force a late Fernandez invite

Super Eagles defender Semi Ajayi suffered an injury scare against Arsenal, and that could reopen the door for Emmanuel Fernandez to earn a late invitation to Nigeria’s squad for the November 2026 AFCON qualifiers against Tanzania.

The Hull City defender was forced off in the 69th minute in a 1-0 defeat at the Emirates Stadium after going down and receiving medical attention. Lucas Herrington replaced him, while Martin Ødegaard scored Arsenal’s winner three minutes later.

Ajayi had been included in Eric Chelle’s 24-man squad announced yesterday, but his early departure has raised concerns about his availability for the international double-header.

There is no confirmed diagnosis or official indication that the 32-year-old will withdraw. However, if further medical examinations establish that he has suffered an injury serious enough to rule him out, Chelle may need to consider another centre-back.

Why Emmanuel Fernandez could get another opportunity

Fernandez is an obvious candidate to come into consideration. The 25-year-old Rangers defender was among the notable omissions from Chelle’s November selection.

The former Peterborough United centre-back offers an imposing physical presence at 6ft 6in and has demonstrated his ability to contribute at both ends of the pitch.

His recent fitness situation, however, also requires consideration. Fernandez sustained an ankle injury during Rangers’ 1-0 victory over Aberdeen.

Rangers manager Derek McInnes subsequently provided an encouraging update, saying the defender was expected to return to training ahead of the weekend fixture against St Mirren.

That he did, as he played 90 minutes in the Gers 2-0 win over St Mirren at the Marbill Coaches Stadium last night.

However, coach Derek McInnes, before the game, revealed that fielding the Nigerian was a big risk.

“I think he [Fernandez] gets a rough ride at times, and he’s a big lad, so when he’s not at his best it’s pretty visible. But he’s been struggling with his ankle; even in a warm-up, he was feeling it,” the 55-year-old said in quotes revealed by Rangers Review.

“We had a discussion in the dressing room before the game. He looked as if he might not be able to play, but we agreed that he would try it.

“Thankfully, as you say, his performance was really good and dominant, and I thought he and Makka have forged a good relationship.

“Getting a clean sheet at night was another step in that progression. We want more clean sheets, we want more goals, we want more goals from set pieces, we want more wins.

“This and the next chunk of games, 11 games, it’s important we get off to a good start tonight,” the former Hearts coach concluded.

Ajayi’s potential absence could change Chelle’s plans

Ajayi’s experience makes his possible withdrawal particularly significant. He was expected to provide defensive stability alongside Calvin Bassey, with his international experience valuable in two important qualifiers.

Nigeria’s other centre-back options include Chibuike Nwaiwu and Benjamin Fredricks, giving Chelle alternatives within the squad.

Nevertheless, Fernandez’s size, aerial ability and growing experience at Rangers arguably put him higher on Chelle’s list than the other two.

Nigeria face Tanzania in Uyo on 13 November before travelling to Zanzibar for the return fixture on 17 November.

For now, Fernandez’s potential invitation remains conditional. Ajayi must first undergo a medical assessment, and the NFF must establish whether he is unavailable, but if the Hull defender is ruled out, the Rangers centre-back could have another opportunity to join the Super Eagles squad against Tanzania.