Trabzonspor defender Chibuike Nwaiwu could be included in Nigeria’s squad for the March international window, Footy-Africa can confirm.
The 22-year-old, who joined the Turkish Super Lig side from Wolfsberger in January, has featured in each of their last nine matches and impressed since making the move.
Nwaiwu scored twice in Trabzonspor’s 3-1 victory over Fatih Karagumruk in a round 24 fixture on Friday, finding the net in the 47th and 50th minutes at the Medical Park Stadyumu to secure all three points.
His former coach at Enyimba, Yemi Olarenwaju, says he is not surprised by the defender’s rapid progress.
“Honestly, I’m not surprised by the level he’s playing at right now, and I must confess, it’s a great thing to see him performing so well,” he exclusively told Footy-Africa.
“He has everything needed to play for the biggest teams in the world. He’s fast, quick, intelligent, and very committed. I’m so happy for him. I believe he’s going to be one of the Super Eagles players in the coming years. I know his qualities — he’s young, quick, strong in tackles, and reads the game very well.”
3 dakikaya 2 gol sığdırdı ⚡️
𝐂𝐡𝐢𝐛𝐮𝐢𝐤𝐞 𝐍𝐰𝐚𝐢𝐰𝐮 | #27 pic.twitter.com/nP51XGKFPV
— Trabzonspor (@Trabzonspor) February 27, 2026
Nigeria are set to face Jordan and Iran in international friendlies during the March FIFA window, with Nwaiwu reportedly among the players being considered for selection.
Olarenwaju added that the centre-back could form a strong partnership at the heart of the Super Eagles defence:
“Just imagine him alongside Benjamin Fredrick and Calvin Bassey at the back for the Super Eagles. I believe the next five years are secured because they are very young and fast. As a centre-back, you have to be very quick, and that is one of his strongest attributes.”
Head coach Eric Chelle is expected to name his squad for the matches in the coming days.
