Chelle’s Super Eagles squad: 7 Nigerian stars who can play multiple positions

Eric Chelle’s 24-man Super Eagles squad for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers contains several players who can cover more than one position, Afrik-Foot reports.

That could be important with Nigeria facing Madagascar in Uyo on September 25 and Guinea-Bissau four days later. Chelle has selected three goalkeepers, nine defenders, four midfielders and eight forwards.

Seven players in particular give the coach options to change shape, replace an injured player or strengthen an area without making several substitutions.

Versatile Super Eagles stars

Ademola Lookman

Lookman gives Chelle options across the attack.

The Atletico Madrid forward is capable of playing in different attacking positions, using his pace, dribbling and movement behind defenders. He can operate from either wing or play closer to the striker.

That flexibility could allow Chelle to move Lookman from the left or right into a more central role without changing his entire attack.

Ola Aina

Aina is one of the most useful defensive options in the squad.

The Nottingham Forest defender can play at right-back and left-back. Forest have used him on both sides, while Chelle has also deployed him at left-back for Nigeria.

That gives Chelle cover on both flanks, particularly useful if one full-back is injured or needs a rest between the two qualifiers.

Isaac James

James offers another option on the left but is not limited to it.

The Alverca defender’s main position is left-back, with right-back and left midfield also among his other positions.

The 21-year-old has started all six of Alverca’s league matches this season and has provided two assists, earning his first Super Eagles invitation after Zaidu Sanusi’s injury.

Calvin Bassey

Bassey gives Chelle a choice between defence and the left side.

The Fulham defender operated mainly at left-back early in his career before splitting his time between left-back and centre-back at Rangers. He has since played primarily as a centre-back.

That means Bassey can move into central defence or fill the left-back position when the game demands it.

Alex Iwobi

Iwobi’s versatility is mainly in midfield and attack.

Over a successful career at Arsenal, Everton, Fulham, and the Super Eagles, Iwobi has performed in different attacking midfield roles. The Nigerian playmaker is a master in central midfield and wider attacking positions.

Chelle can therefore use him centrally or move him wider without losing his ability to link midfield with the attack.

Samuel Chukwueze

Chukwueze gives Nigeria width from either side and also at wing-back.

Primarily a left-footed winger, Chukwueze plays on the right but has experience on both flanks. The former Villarrealattwcker is currently redefining himself at AC Milan as a wing-back.

That makes him particularly useful when Chelle wants to change the direction of Nigeria’s attack without replacing the winger.

Moses Usor

Usor adds another attacking option because he can operate as a striker, attacking midfielder or right winger.

The LASK forward has started four of his six Bundesliga appearances this season, scoring twice and providing three assists. He also scored and assisted in LASK’s 5-1 Champions League qualifying win over Celtic on August 25.

His ability to play centrally or from the right gives Chelle another way to change the attack during a match.

Why the versatility matters

Nigeria’s September schedule leaves little room for a bloated squad. Two competitive matches in four days mean Chelle must consider fatigue, injuries and tactical changes.

Players such as Aina, Bassey and James can cover different defensive roles, while Lookman, Iwobi, Chukwueze and Usor give the coach more attacking combinations.

That could make the substitutes’ bench more useful. Instead of carrying a specialist for every position, Chelle has several players who can cover two or more roles.