5 Super Eagles stars who must convince Eric Chelle before November international break

Super Eagles coach Eric Chelle has several selection decisions to make before naming his next squad for the November Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers double-header against Tanzania.

The 3-0 bashing at Guinea-Bissau served as a clear reminder that there might need to be a rejig in his system. And that invariably means that there will be some changes in his squad list for next month.

Even last month, there were some players who were supposed to be called up tp camp. But due to varying reasons, they were left out. For some, they are yet to rediscover their best form at club level, while others need to prove their fitness.

With just around a month until the next international break, these players have ample time to prove themselves at club level so they can earn a call-up to the Super Eagles squad.

In this article, Afrik-Foot writes on some of those stars who need to prove a point to Chelle before the November international break.

1. Femi Azeez

Femi Azeez has an important month ahead as he looks to recover from the injuries that have disrupted his progress over the past two months.

The winger’s fitness problems prevented him from joining the Super Eagles during the October international window, depriving him of an opportunity to work with Chelle and strengthen his position in the squad.

His immediate priority will be to return to action and regain the sharpness that made him an option for Nigeria. Simply recovering from injury will not necessarily be enough; he must also show that he can reproduce his best performances consistently at his new club Brighton.

For a player competing for a place in a Brightpn squad with several attacking options, the timing of his return is particularly important. Chelle needs players who are fit enough to contribute immediately, rather than those still working their way back to full match fitness.

Azeez therefore needs to use the coming weeks to rebuild his rhythm, string up some goals or assists, and show that the injuries have not significantly affected his effectiveness.

2. Wilfred Ndidi

Ndidi’s position in the Super Eagles midfield is no longer as straightforward as it once seemed.

The Besiktas midfielder endured a disappointing performance against Guinea-Bissau, with his display attracting criticism as Nigeria struggled to control important phases of both matches.

His club situation adds another concern. Ndidi has not been playing regularly for Besiktas, limiting his opportunities to build the match sharpness needed to perform consistently at international level.

For Chelle, this creates a difficult selection question. Ndidi’s experience as captain and defensive qualities remain valuable, but his reputation cannot indefinitely protect him if his club minutes and national-team performances fail to improve.

Raphael Onyedika is an obvious alternative waiting for an opportunity. The Club Brugge midfielder offers Chelle another option in the holding role, and a strong run of club performances could strengthen his case for a bigger role with Nigeria.

If Ndidi continues to struggle for playing time and fails to improve over the next month, Chelle may have to reconsider the balance of his midfield.

3. Tochukwu Nnadi

Nnadi appears to have a potential opportunity to strengthen his position in Chelle’s plans after missing the October international window through injury.

The midfielder has seemingly earned the coach’s interest, but his absence meant he could not compete for a place during the latest round of matches.

Now that he is back fit, the next challenge is to start playing and become a regular starter for coach Bruno Genesio. He needs minutes at club level to show that he can sustain his intensity, compete physically and contribute consistently in midfield.

That is especially important because Chelle needs alternatives who can offer something different when the established midfield options are unavailable or underperforming.

4. Bright Osayi-Samuel

Osayi-Samuel has work to do after an underwhelming performance against Guinea-Bissau exposed questions about his contribution to the Super Eagles.

The defender’s versatility and experience make him a useful option, but his display in Nigeria’s 3-0 defeat did little to strengthen his claim to a regular starting position.

The concern for Osayi-Samuel is that competition is developing behind him. Chelle has emerging alternatives in Abdullahi Bewene and Ryan Alebiosu, both of whom could strengthen their claims if they continue to perform well at club level.

That competition means Osayi-Samuel must show that he remains the more dependable option, particularly in the defensive responsibilities expected of him.

5. Tolu Arokodare

Arokodare faces a different challenge from the other players on this list. His main obstacle is the competition for places in Nigeria’s attack.

The Ajax striker has the physical attributes to trouble defenders and provide a different option up front, but those qualities must be converted into consistent contributions in front of goal.

With Victor Osimhen unotouchable in as the central striker and other forwards pushing for opportunities, Arokodare needs to make his case difficult for Chelle to ignore.

His club performances over the next month will be particularly important. Regular goals would strengthen his position, while a spell without scoring could leave the coach questioning whether another forward deserves the opportunity instead.

Nigeria has several other strikers in Europe who are itching for a place in Chelle’s squad like Rafiu Durosinmi, Cyriel Dessers, Paul Onuachu and a few others. Opportunities are scarce, so anyone who wants a place has to be shining at club level.