Competition for places in the Super Eagles defence has stepped up following the form of Chidozie Awaziem and Felix Agu at their clubs in recent times and the absence of the experienced Semi Ajayi.
Awaziem has impressed coach Eric Chelle since his return to the French Ligue 1 with FC Nantes, while Felix Agu shone at the Unity Cup in London in May.
Both players made the provisional squad for next month’s 2026 World Cup qualifiers against Rwanda and South Africa.
They also look good to make the final selection.
Captain William Ekong as well as Nottingham Forest fullback Ola Aina and Calvin Bassey (Fulham) are certainties for the final squad, while Bruno Onyemaechi (Olympiacos) and Igho Ogbu (Slavia Praha) may miss out.
Benjamin Fredrick, who is on loan at FC Dender in Belgium from Premier League club Brentford, was another shining light at the Unity Cup and the Super Eagles coach is likely to pick him ahead of Ogbu as the third central defender on the final squad.
