Jordan Torunarigha has been drafted into Nigeria’s squad for their upcoming 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers against Rwanda and Zimbabwe, replacing the injured Nathan Tella.
Late Inclusion for Torunarigha
The 27-year-old KAA Gent defender was initially part of Nigeria’s provisional squad but did not make the final cut. However, following Tella’s injury, the Super Eagles have brought him back into the 23-man squad for the crucial fixtures.
“Camp update: Jordan Torunarigha has been called up to replace the injured Nathan Tella. We wish Nathan a speedy recovery,” read a statement on the official Super Eagles account.
Tella, who plays for Bayer Leverkusen, was an unused substitute in his club’s 2-0 defeat against Bayern Munich. Following the match, coach Xabi Alonso confirmed that the winger is also likely to miss Leverkusen’s Bundesliga clash against Stuttgart this weekend.
Nigeria Prepares for Key Qualifiers
The Super Eagles are set to face Rwanda on Friday at the Amahoro Stadium in Kigali before returning home to host Zimbabwe at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium in Uyo on Tuesday, March 25.
With qualification for the 2026 World Cup at stake, Nigeria will be aiming for maximum points from these encounters, and Torunarigha’s inclusion could provide an additional defensive boost as the team looks to strengthen its backline.
