According to a report by Daily Post on Thursday November 5, 2026, Super Eagles head coach Eric Chelle has received an encouraging injury update on Rangers defender Emmanuel Fernandez ahead of Nigeria's upcoming 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying fixtures against Tanzania.

The 24-year-old centre-back is expected to return to training on Thursday after suffering an ankle injury during Rangers' 1-0 victory over Aberdeen in the Premier Sports Cup semi-final last Saturday.

Fernandez's injury initially raised concerns about his availability for Rangers' Scottish Premiership encounter against St Mirren this weekend.

However, Rangers manager Derek McInnes has provided a positive update, suggesting that the Nigerian defender is likely to be available for the match.

Speaking on Wednesday ahead of the weekend fixture, McInnes confirmed that Fernandez had suffered an ankle twist but was expected to resume training.

"Fernandez, his ankle was a bit of a mess after the game on Saturday," the Rangers manager said.

"He twisted that but he's due to train tomorrow and will be fine for the game on Saturday."

The development will come as welcome news to Chelle, who is preparing to announce his squad for Nigeria's November international fixtures.

The Super Eagles are scheduled to host Tanzania in Uyo on November 13 before travelling to Dar es Salaam for the return fixture on November 17.

With the two matches important to Nigeria's 2027 AFCON qualifying campaign, Chelle will be keen to have as many fit and available players as possible.

Fernandez's expected return to training is therefore a timely boost for the Nigerian coach as he considers his defensive options for the upcoming double-header.

However, his participation in Rangers' weekend match and subsequent inclusion in the Super Eagles squad will provide a clearer picture of his availability for the international assignments.