Abdullahi Bewene: How Éric Chelle’s call is paving way to Slavia Prague

Super Eagles star Abdullahi Bewene has emerged as a top target for reigning Czech champions Slavia Prague, Afrik-Foot reports.

​Bewene began his European career two years ago, joining Ostrava’s junior team, and has since developed into a regular starter for the first team. Last season, he featured in 25 league matches for Ostrava, playing a key role in helping the club avoid relegation.

​His impressive performances have drawn significant interest, with Slavia Prague now targeting the defender. According to Fotbalove prestupy, Bewene is expected to leave Banik Ostrava this summer, as the club has received a €2 million bid from the Czech champions.

​It is common for major Czech clubs like Viktoria Plzeň, Sparta Prague, and Slavia Prague to recruit talent from smaller sides, and Bewene appears to be the latest player set to follow this trend.

​How Eric Chelle’s Super Eagles Call Has Helped Bewene

​Just two months ago, few Nigerian fans actually knew who Abdullahi Bewene was. He shot to prominence, however, after receiving a call-up to the Super Eagles squad for the friendly matches against Poland and Portugal.

​Ordinarily, a player like Bewene might not have been in contention for the Super Eagles at this stage of his career, but the absence of regular starters prompted coach Eric Chelle to draft him into the team.

​The 21-year-old, originally a midfielder, started at right-back and put in a brilliant shift. For a player making his debut, he was solid against Poland, and he followed that with another standout performance against Portugal.

​The fact that Bewene is now a Nigeria international is an attractive quality for potential suitors. Most clubs, especially those outside the top five leagues, prefer to sign players with international experience, and Chelle’s invitation has undoubtedly provided a significant boost to his career.

​Eric Chelle’s Debut Drive

​Since Eric Chelle took over as Super Eagles coach, he has consistently handed opportunities to new players, effectively bolstering the squad’s depth.

​Last year, Chelle’s decision to give minutes to fringe players yielded results; that was how Benjamin Fredrick rose to prominence. Similarly, Tochukwu Nnadi, who began getting invites late last year, secured a move to Marseille from Zulte Waregem.

​This year, Femi Azeez and Bewene have been the biggest beneficiaries. Azeez performed well at the Unity Cup, and he is sure to receive more call-ups in the coming months.

​Giving these players consistent minutes for Nigeria puts them in the shop window for better clubs, while at the same improves the Super Eagles’ squad depth.

Even in the absence of Ola Aina, the team now has adequate cover in Ryan Alebiosu, Bright Osayi-Samuel, and Bewene. There are also options for different positions across the pitch.

​Chelle will now be looking to translate that increased depth into silverware for Nigeria.