Guinea-Bissau vs Super Eagles: 2 ways Onyedika solves Nigeria’s midfield problem

Super Eagles midfielder Raphael Onyedika could give Nigeria’s midfield a different dimension when they face Guinea-Bissau in their second 2027 AFCON qualifier, Afrik-Foot reports.

Eric Chelle’s side started their campaign with a 2-1 comeback victory over Madagascar, but the performance exposed some of the problems Nigeria can face when their midfield becomes stretched.

Wilfred Ndidi and Alex Iwobi started in midfield, with Onyedika remaining on the bench as Nigeria eventually came from behind to secure all three points.

The Eintracht Frankfurt midfielder could be an option for Chelle in Bissau, particularly with Guinea-Bissau having already shown their ability to punish opponents in transition during their 2-0 victory over Tanzania.

Nigeria have only four specialist central midfielders in Chelle’s squad, with Onyedika, Ndidi, Onyeka and Iwobi the available options after injuries ruled out several other players.

2 ways Onyedika solves Nigeria’s midfield problem

1. Defensive protection

One of the biggest concerns from Nigeria’s victory over Madagascar was the space that appeared in midfield when the Super Eagles committed players forward.

That became noticeable before Madagascar’s opening goal, with Nigeria caught during a transition and forced to recover after losing possession.

Onyedika could help address that problem because he is comfortable operating as a defensive midfielder.

The 25-year-old has started all four of Eintracht Frankfurt’s Bundesliga matches this season, playing 360 minutes. He has also recorded 29 tackles, winning 16 of them, highlighting the defensive work he can provide in the middle of the pitch.

That break-up of play will be useful against Guinea-Bissau, who showed their efficiency against Tanzania.

Franculino Djú and Mama Baldé scored the two goals in the 2-0 victory, with Beto also involved in the build-up to the opener.

Rather than allowing the Guinea-Bissau attackers to run into the spaces behind Nigeria’s midfield, Onyedika could give Chelle an additional player capable of protecting the defence when the full-backs and other midfielders move forward.

2. Better progression from midfield

Onyedika can also offer Nigeria something different when they have possession.

The Frankfurt midfielder is not simply a ball-winner. His profile has long included his ability to move the ball forward.

That ability could be important for a Super Eagles side that struggled to consistently progress the ball through midfield against Madagascar.

Nigeria dominated possession and created numerous opportunities in Uyo, but their attacking rhythm was not always smooth, particularly before Chelle changed the shape in the second half.

Onyedika can help provide a link between the defence and attack while still maintaining his defensive responsibilities.

His early season numbers at Frankfurt also show that he is heavily involved in possession. He has completed 225 passes across his first four Bundesliga appearances.

That combination of defensive discipline and passing ability could allow Chelle to use him as the deeper midfielder while giving players such as Iwobi more freedom to influence the game higher up the pitch.

Onyedika gives the Super Eagles another midfield option

Chelle does not necessarily need to completely change his midfield against Guinea-Bissau, but the second qualifier presents a different tactical challenge.

The Djurtus have already collected three points and will have home advantage in Bissau, meaning Nigeria could need greater control in the middle of the pitch.

Onyedika’s ability to protect the defence while progressing possession could therefore give Chelle another solution.

After remaining on the bench against Madagascar, the Frankfurt midfielder has an important role to play if Nigeria are to avoid allowing Guinea-Bissau to exploit the spaces between their midfield and defence.