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Chelle Sticks with Current Squad Despite Onyemaechi and Ajayi Absences Ahead of Jordan Clash

Published by Samuel Ayomide on March 31st, 2026.

Super Eagles head coach Eric Chelle has opted not to call up replacements for defenders Bruno Onyemaechi and Semi Ajayi, who have both temporarily left the team’s training camp in Antalya, Turkey, as reported by PUNCH Sports Extra.

Onyemaechi exited the camp to celebrate the birth of his child, while Ajayi departed due to an injury sustained during training following Nigeria’s 2-1 win over Iran on Friday. Despite losing two key defensive options, Chelle has chosen to rely on the players already at the camp rather than bring in fresh reinforcements, signalling confidence in the current squad.

Emmanuel Fernandez, who made his international debut after coming on for Ajayi against Iran, is expected to feature more prominently in Tuesday’s friendly against Jordan. Chelle also has the option of deploying Trabzonspor defender Chibuike Nwaiwu, while Slavia Prague centre-back Igoh Ogbu is likely to retain his starting role.

A win against Jordan would secure the Super Eagles the title of the ongoing four-nation tournament, regardless of the result in the other group fixture between Costa Rica and Iran. Nigeria, currently ranked 26th in the FIFA world rankings, face a 64th-ranked Jordan side, but Chelle has cautioned against underestimating the opposition, noting Jordan’s 2-2 draw with Costa Rica in the opening match (Vanguard Sports).

Goals from Moses Simon and Akor Adams were enough to secure the victory over Iran, with Mehdi Taremi scoring a late consolation for the Iranians. Since Chelle’s appointment, Nigeria have gone 19 matches unbeaten, netting 37 goals and conceding 14, a run highlighted by a strong performance at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations, where the Super Eagles finished third (Daily Trust).

The friendly against Jordan marks the final fixture of this international window as Nigeria begin preparations for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers, with Chelle keen to maintain the team’s momentum heading into next year’s competitive campaign.