Chelle to invite Glasgow Rangers centreback Fernandez to next Eagles camp as he awaits Fifa decision

SUPER Eagles manager Eric Chelle has told Glasgow Rangers centreback Emmanuel Fernandez that he will get invited to camp if Fifa upholds Nigeria's petition and allows the team to participate in the forthcoming World Cup.

In November last year, the Leopards of DR Congo beat the Super Eagles of Nigeria on penalties in the final of the African World Cup play-off at the Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium in Rabat after a 1-1 draw. With this victory, the Congolese qualified to represent Africa in Fifa's inter-continental play-off taking place in March next year in Mexico, from where two teams will qualify for the World Cup.

However, the Nigerian Football Federation (NFF) wrote to Fifa alleging that the Democratic Republic of Congo breached its rules by fielding six ineligible players in the play-offs. A petition was sent to Fifa's headquarters in Zurich, requesting that the Congolese be disqualified for fielding ineligible players and a decision is expected on the matter any minute.

Just in case Fifa does not rule in Nigeria's favour, the NFF has arranged for the Super Eagles to play in a four-nation invitational tournament in Amman, Jordan, during next month’s international window. This tournament will involve the national teams of Jordan, Iran and Costa Rica and will take place at the same time as the World Cup play-offs.

Eagles head coach Mr Chelle, has assured Fernandez that whatever happens, he is on his radar for the next Super Eagles squad and had an outside chance of playing in the World Cup. Fernandez, 24, born in London to Nigerian parents, joined Glasgow Rangers from Peterborough in the summer and has been in fine form of late.

Mr Chelle said: "We have a couple of players who were born abroad, who want to play for the team and we are looking at how they will fit in. Of course, we can’t bring all of them into the team but we will, however, pick those that we know can bring competition to the squad, improve the team and also fit our game project."