Gift Orban vs Taiwo Awoniyi: Did Eric Chelle pick the wrong Super Eagles striker?

Nigerian striker Gift Orban was snubbed by Super Eagles coach Eric Chelle for a place in the Super Eagles squad for the 2027 AFCON qualifiers, with Taiwo Awoniyi getting nod to replace Victor Osimhen, Afrik-Foot reports.

The circumstances behind Awoniyi’s selection are important. The Coventry City striker was not part of Chelle’s original 24-man squad for Nigeria’s opening 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers against Madagascar and Guinea-Bissau. He was called up on September 20 after Victor Osimhen was ruled out with injury.

Eric Chelle’s decision to bring Awoniyi into the Super Eagles squad has raised an interesting question about Nigeria’s attacking options, especially with Gift Orban enjoying a remarkable start to the season.

Let us dissect this issue below.

Orban’s Form Makes His Omission Difficult to Ignore

If current club form is the starting point, Orban has a strong case for consideration.

The 24-year-old has been one of the most productive Nigerian forwards in Europe at the start of the 2026/27 season. After joining Amedspor on loan from Hoffenheim, he scored seven goals and provided two assist in his first six Turkish Süper Lig matches.

His last two performances have been particularly eye-catching. Last week, Orban scored a hat-trick in Amedspor’s 5-0 victory over İstanbul Başakşehir.

Then, yesterday, he scored a peach of a strike to help his side claim a 3-2 win over Besiktas. The goal was a beauty, and that was what propeled his side on the day.

⚽ @mislicom ile maçın golü!

🔴🟢 Gift Orban, uzak mesafeden çok sert bir vuruşla golü buluyor!

📌 Kazanmanın tutkusu #MisliyleMisli’de! pic.twitter.com/5VjoYofBGj

— beIN SPORTS Türkiye (@beINSPORTS_TR) September 20, 2026

That result means that Orban jumps to the top of the goalscorers chart in Turkey, but alco climb to the summit of the Super Lig table, a big achievement for a club that just got promoted to the Turkish top-flight.

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That form makes his absence from the AFCON squad notable. There is, however, one major difference between Orban and Awoniyi: international experience.

Orban has previously received a Super Eagles call-up but has yet to make his senior debut. Awoniyi, meanwhile, has already played 10 times for Nigeria and scored twice. He has also featured in AFCON and World Cup qualifying matches.

For a coach preparing for competitive qualifiers, that experience is relevant.

Awoniyi Gives Chelle a Proven International Option

Awoniyi arrives in the squad with a different profile from Orban. The 29-year-old is a physical centre-forward who can play with his back to goal, occupy centre-backs and provide a focal point for Nigeria’s attack.

He also has experience operating alongside other Super Eagles attackers, something that matters when a coach has only a short period to prepare his team for competitive fixtures.

His current club form, however, is not as impressive as Orban’s. Awoniyi has made four Premier League appearances for Coventry this season, accumulating 234 minutes without a goal or assist. His latest appearance ended with a red card during Coventry’s 5-0 defeat to Brighton.

That creates an obvious contrast. Orban has the momentum; Awoniyi has the international experience.

Has Chelle Made The Right Decision?

The question is not simply whether one striker is better than the other. Chelle has to decide what Nigeria need from Osimhen’s replacement.

If he wants a forward arriving in camp in outstanding goalscoring form, Orban’s numbers are difficult to overlook. Seven goals in six league matches, including a hat-trick, provide a clear argument.

But if what he prefers is an experienced international striker who can immediately operate in a competitive fixture, Awoniyi offers something Orban cannot yet provide.

There is also an important tactical consideration. Nigeria already have Tolu Arokodare, Akor Adams and George Ilenikhena in the squad, alongside attacking players like Ademola Lookman, Samuel Chukwueze and Moses Simon.

Awoniyi therefore adds another experienced No.9 rather than simply another young forward.

For Orban, the immediate task is to maintain his extraordinary start and force his way into Chelle’s next selection. His current form has certainly made the conversation louder.

So, for now, it would be illogical to say that Chelle has made the wrong decision.