Super Eagles: 3 players who must start vs Tanzania in Zanzibar

The Super Eagles of Nigeria will travel to Zanzibar for Tuesday’s return fixture against Tanzania in the 2027 AFCON qualifiers, with coach Eric Chelle facing some important selection decisions after their 3-1 victory in Uyo.

The Green and Whites recovered from conceding an equaliser to claim all three points, largely due to the impact of their second-half substitutes.

Tolu Arokodare scored twice, while Moses Usor provided the assist for the striker’s second goal and gave Nigeria a different attacking dimension after coming. Abdullahi Bewene also impressed at right-back, especially when combining with Usor after the break.

With Nigeria needing another victory to strengthen their qualification hopes, these three players deserve starting places in Zanzibar.

3 Super Eagles who must start vs Tanzania in Zanzibar

1. Abdullahi Bewene

Bewene made his competitive debut for the Super Eagles against Tanzania and gave Chelle plenty of reasons to retain him.

The defender showed impressive attacking intent, regularly making forward runs down the flank. His willingness to push into the opposition half offered an additional outlet on the right, something the Super Eagles could exploit effectively in the return fixture.

His understanding with Usor was encouraging. Once the LASK winger entered the game, the pair combined well, with Bewene providing support as Nigeria put pressure on Tanzania.

The youngster also remained disciplined defensively, demonstrating that his attacking instincts did not come at the expense of his primary responsibilities.

After such an encouraging first competitive appearance, dropping Bewene would be difficult to justify.

2. Moses Usor

Usor changed the complexion of the match after replacing Alhassan Yusuf at half-time.

Nigeria struggled to create enough danger despite enjoying possession, but the winger immediately added directness to their attack. He constantly took on defenders, stretched Tanzania’s defensive line and delivered dangerous balls into the penalty area, one of which led Ndidi to deliver the final ball for Arokodare’s first goal.

His contribution was decisive in the 60th minute when he delivered the cross that Arokodare controlled before scoring his second goal.

Usor also created problems by attacking defenders rather than simply recycling possession. His combination with Bewene gave Nigeria another attacking route down the flank.

Chelle should reward that impact by giving the LASK forward a starting opportunity in Zanzibar.

3. Tolu Arokodare

There is perhaps no selection decision more straightforward than promoting Arokodare into the starting XI.

The Ajax striker needed only eight minutes to score twice after replacing Tochukwu Nnadi at half-time. His first goal was an excellent backheel finish from Ndidi’s delivery, while his second demonstrated his composure inside the penalty area.

Arokodare could easily have completed his hat-trick, but Tanzania’s goalkeeper denied him during a late one-on-one opportunity.

Beyond the goals, his physical presence and movement gave Nigeria’s attack a focal point that had been missing in the first half.

With Victor Osimhen unavailable, Arokodare has strengthened his case to lead the Super Eagles’ attack. Leaving him on the bench again after such a performance would be a difficult decision for Eric Chelle to defend.

Chelle must reward impact

Nigeria’s victory in Uyo was important, but the second leg presents another challenge. Tanzania will be determined to respond on home soil, meaning the Super Eagles need players capable of stretching their defence and converting opportunities.

Bewene, Usor and Arokodare all demonstrated qualities that could help Nigeria achieve that objective.

Chelle has decisions to make, but these three have given him strong reasons to retain their places in the starting team.