Former Super Eagles midfielder Mutiu Adepoju has cautioned Nigeria’s new head coach, Eric Chelle, against experimenting with unfamiliar formations ahead of their crucial 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifier against Rwanda.
Chelle, who was recently appointed as Nigeria’s head coach, is set to lead the three-time African champions in a must-win encounter as they seek to revive their qualification hopes.
The Super Eagles have struggled in recent matches, making the clash at the Amahoro Stadium in Kigali a pivotal one for their campaign.
Adepoju, a former Real Sociedad midfielder, has advised Chelle to stick to Nigeria’s traditional style of play, which emphasizes attacking football through the wings.
Speaking to Afrik-Foot, the former Real Madrid B player warned that sudden tactical shifts could disrupt the team’s rhythm and affect their chances of securing three points.
Stick to What Works, Adepoju Warns
“A system like that will be a little bit strange to the players and the fans as well,” Adepoju said, expressing concern over potential changes in formation.
He emphasized that Nigeria’s football identity is built around its ability to dominate possession and utilize the wings effectively.
“What we are used to is playing from the wings, having the ball all the time, and having players that can take it from the wings. It might take time to understand, but it depends on the players,” he added.
Nigeria’s style of play has historically revolved around pacy wingers and attacking full-backs, a tactic that has produced great success in past tournaments. Adepoju believes abandoning this approach could unsettle the squad, particularly in a high-stakes fixture.
Super Eagles’ Struggles and the Stakes in Kigali
The Super Eagles are in dire need of a victory to keep their World Cup qualification hopes alive. Their last visit to Kigali ended in a disappointing goalless draw in September 2024, highlighting the difficulties they face when playing away from home.
Nigeria’s recent form has been inconsistent, leading to the dismissal of former head coach José Peseiro. The appointment of Chelle, who previously managed the Malian national team, has raised questions about the tactical direction he will take with the squad.
While Chelle’s coaching style in Mali was largely defensive, Adepoju believes Nigeria’s strengths lie in their attacking approach.
With a squad featuring high-profile players such as Victor Osimhen, Ademola Lookman, and Samuel Chukwueze, the Super Eagles have the firepower to break down Rwanda’s defense—if deployed correctly.
A Must-Win Encounter
The match at the Amahoro Stadium is seen as a decisive moment in Nigeria’s qualification campaign. A win would boost their chances of reaching the 2026 World Cup, while anything less could spell disaster for their ambitions.
Chelle’s tactical decisions will be under scrutiny as he navigates his first competitive game in charge. Whether he heeds Adepoju’s advice and sticks to Nigeria’s traditional playing style or opts for a fresh tactical approach remains to be seen.
As the Super Eagles prepare for their crucial clash, fans and analysts alike will be eager to see if Chelle can inspire the team to a much-needed victory.
