Nigeria vs Tanzania: 3 controversial Eric Chelle decisions that could haunt Super Eagles

Nigeria vs Tanzania unfolds this weekend in Uyo, with Super Eagles head coach Eric Chelle facing scrutiny over his squad selection for this crucial 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying double-header.

Nigeria cannot afford another setback after suffering a 3-0 defeat to Guinea-Bissau in September.

Chelle has named Taiwo Awoniyi, Tolu Arokodare and Akor Adams as his main striking options, with Victor Osimhen unavailable through injury.

However, the omission of three in-form Nigerian forwards has raised eyebrows about the coach’s choices.

If Nigeria struggle to score against Tanzania, Chelle could face criticism for leaving out Kelechi Iheanacho, Gift Orban and George Ilenikhena.

Nigeria vs Tanzania: 3 curious Chelle decisions

1. Kelechi Iheanacho: Why ignore a striker with 18 goals?

Iheanacho’s exclusion from Nigeria’s squad for the Tanzania double-header is arguably the most surprising, particularly with Osimhen ruled out.

The 30-year-old has made an impressive start to life at Bursaspor following his summer departure from Celtic. He has scored 17 goals and provided three assists in 14 Turkish second-division appearances, helping the club push for promotion.

Iheanacho also found the net in Nigeria’s 3-3 friendly draw against Russia in October, taking his tally to 18 goals in 15 appearances this season.

Despite his impressive numbers, Chelle opted for Awoniyi, Arokodare and Adams.

If Nigeria struggle to find the net against Tanzania, leaving out a striker with Iheanacho’s experience and goalscoring record could prove a costly decision.

2. Gift Orban: What is stopping his Super Eagles debut?

Orban’s continued absence is another talking point ahead of this Nigeria vs Tanzania meeting.

The 24-year-old has scored ten goals and provided four assists in 11 Turkish Süper Lig appearances for Amed SK this season. He has also outscored Osimhen, Nigeria’s most valuable player, in the Turkish top flight.

His latest goal came against Galatasaray on November 7, when he reached double figures for the season and secured a permanent move to Amed SK.

However, Orban’s international career has been complicated by eligibility concerns involving Togo.

Although recent reports suggest those issues may have been resolved, there has been no clear public confirmation of his current status.

If Orban is eligible to represent Nigeria, Chelle will have to explain why he has overlooked one of the country’s most prolific forwards this season. If the eligibility issue is still unresolved, supporters deserve a clear explanation of what is preventing his call-up.

3. George Ilenikhena: Why drop a striker who impressed on his debut?

Chelle received plenty of praise after convincing Ilenikhena to choose Nigeria over France.

The 20-year-old repaid that faith by scoring against Madagascar on his Super Eagles debut in September.

He has also been in good form for Al-Ittihad, scoring eight goals and providing three assists in 14 club appearances this season. His combined record for club and country stands at nine goals and three assists in 16 matches.

There has been no reported injury to explain his absence from the squad for the Nigeria vs Tanzania double-header.

After giving the youngster his first opportunity at international level, Chelle’s decision to leave him out of the next squad is difficult to understand, particularly given his performances at club level.

Nigeria need two victories against Tanzania to revive their qualification campaign. If the Super Eagles drop points, Chelle could face difficult questions about why he left three in-form forwards out of his squad.