Super Eagles: 2 players Rafiu Durosinmi can replace in Eric Chelle’s November squad

Super Eagles striker Rafiu Durosinmi could be one of the players who’ll give coach Eric Chelle a selection headache for the November International break.

The 23-year-old has put his poor Italy form behind him since making the summer move to Belgium.

Since joining Genk, Durosinmi has scored six goals in eight games, putting himself back in contention for his first competitive game for the Super Eagles.

With the Super Eagles preparing for their November AFCON qualifiers against Tanzania, Durosinmi’s goals could make him an option for Chelle in the must-win double header against the East Africans.

Super Eagles: Two players Durosinmi could replace

1. Taiwo Awoniyi

Awoniyi is the likeliest forward to make way if Chelle decides to introduce another centre-forward.

The Coventry City striker struggled to make an impact during Nigeria’s September qualifiers. He played 22 minutes against Madagascar before starting the 3-0 defeat to Guinea-Bissau, where he was withdrawn at half-time after failing to influence the game.

His club form has not been exceptional either. The 29-year-old has failed to score in four Premier League games this season. His only goal for the Sky Blue Stars came in the League Cup.

Durosinmi, meanwhile, has been productive in front of goal. His six league goals give Chelle a clear reason for consideration at least.

The former Viktoria Plzeň striker also provides a strong aerial presence and the ability to attack crosses, qualities that could give Nigeria another profile in the final third.

Awoniyi still has time to improve his situation, but Durosinmi’s scoring run means his place should not be taken for granted.

2. Tolu Arokodare

Arokodare is another striker whose position could come under pressure as Durosinmi pushes for a return to the national team.

The Ajax forward has also been productive since moving to the Netherlands, scoring seven goals and providing one assist in 10 games for the Dutch giants.

That makes this a more complicated comparison than Awoniyi’s. Arokodare has demonstrated his ability to score and contribute to his team’s attack, so Durosinmi’s form does not make him the weaker option.

However, Chelle must consider the balance of his attackers. With Victor Osimhen standing as the established leading striker, and Kelechi Iheanacho and George Ilenikhena also offering different options, the number of places available for centre-forwards is limited.

Durosinmi’s form gives him a strong argument to join that competition. If he maintains his form at Genk, he could force Chelle to reconsider which forwards deserve to be included, even if Arokodare’s performances remain encouraging.

Can Durosinmi force his way into Chelle’s plans?

Durosinmi cannot rely on goals alone to secure a Super Eagles call-up. He must continue performing for Genk and show that his scoring form can translate to the international stage.

Chelle also has to weigh tactical suitability, fitness and the contributions of players already in his squad. The November selection will not be a contest between goal tallies.

Still, Durosinmi will be difficult to ignore. His scoring start gives Nigeria another option at centre-forward and puts pressure on players whose recent performances have been less convincing.

For Awoniyi, the challenge is to rediscover his scoring touch. For Arokodare, it is to maintain momentum. For Durosinmi, the task is to keep scoring until Chelle has a decision he cannot easily overlook.

The Genk striker may not be guaranteed a place, but his form has given him a route back into the Super Eagles conversation.