Nigeria’s national football team, the Super Eagles, have found themselves under scrutiny following inconsistent performances in the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers.
Eric Chelle, who took charge of the team amidst a cloud of expectation, is facing a critical task: rebuilding the squad to return Nigeria to the top of African football.
While a promising 2-0 away victory over Rwanda, spearheaded by Victor Osimhen’s brace, reignited hope, a subsequent 1-1 draw against Zimbabwe left fans questioning the team’s tactical approach and squad depth.
With Chelle now back in Europe, reports suggest that he is working diligently to strengthen the Super Eagles by scouting fresh talent, particularly players of Nigerian descent excelling at top European clubs.
Key positions in the squad require immediate attention, and Chelle faces a challenge in revitalizing these areas to form a competitive unit for the future.
Left-back Position: A Growing Concern
Once a position of strength, Nigeria’s left-back role has seen a steady decline. Former stars like Ben Iroha, Celestine Babayaro, and Taiye Taiwo are now distant memories, leaving a void in the team’s defensive structure.
Jamilu Collins, a regular fixture, has fallen out of favor, while Zaidu Sanusi’s injury woes and Calvin Bassey’s transition to central defence have further complicated matters.
Currently, Olympiakos’ Bruno Onyemaechi remains the only natural left-back, though Chelle has been forced to utilize right-back Ola Aina in the role. While Aina is undoubtedly Nigeria’s top right-back, Chelle needs to solidify the left-back spot.
Young talents like Solomon Agbalaka of FC Sochi and Christian Akpan of Genk, as well as Isaac James of FC Lorient, all have the potential to step into the role.
The team’s short-term strategy could see Bassey move back to left-back, but this requires the acquisition of a reliable centre-back partner.
Centre-back Reinforcements Needed
At centre-back, Nigeria has relied on the experience of players like Leon Balogun, Kenneth Omeruo, and William Troost-Ekong. However, the latter’s recent performances have raised concerns, particularly his sluggishness in the 1-1 draw against Zimbabwe.
Chelle’s selection of Jordan Torunarigha and Igoh Ogbu signals a potential shift in Nigeria’s defensive tactics. Torunarigha, in particular, has impressed at KAA Gent and could become a fixture in the Super Eagles’ defense.
In addition to Torunarigha and Ogbu, Chelle is reportedly targeting the likes of Chelsea’s Tosin Adarabioyo and Leicester City’s Caleb Okoli to bolster the defensive options.
Young emerging players such as Gabriel Osho (Auxerre) and Chibuike Nwaiwu (Wolfsberger AC) could also be future assets for the team.
Midfield: Adding Creativity
Nigeria’s midfield, while solid with players like Wilfred Ndidi and Frank Onyeka, lacks creativity and dynamism. The emergence of Lazio’s Fisayo Dele-Bashiru, if fully fit, could provide the creative spark the team needs.
In addition, Chelsea’s Carney Chukwuemeka and Lesley Ugochukwu, both eligible for Nigeria, could elevate the technical quality of the midfield.
Other promising options include Everton’s Tim Iroegbunam and Inter Milan’s Ebenezer Akinsanmiro, with the latter known for his press resistance and range of passing.
Right Wing: A Position in Limbo
Once a strength for Nigeria, the right-wing position has seen a decline in consistency. With Samuel Chukwueze’s form dipping, Chelle is reportedly targeting young Arsenal prodigy Ethan Nwaneri.
If Chelle is unable to secure Nwaneri’s switch from England, players like Peter Olayinka of Red Star Belgrade and David Okereke of Gaziantep offer valuable alternatives. Both players bring power, versatility, and the ability to influence games from the wide areas.
As Chelle continues to monitor dual-national talents across Europe, the Super Eagles’ future appears promising.
By addressing the key gaps in the left-back, centre-back, midfield, and right-wing positions, Chelle can reshape the team into a formidable force capable of competing at the highest levels.
The coming months will be crucial in determining the direction of Nigerian football under Chelle’s leadership.
This article was created using automation technology and was thoroughly edited and fact-checked by one of our editorial staff members
