Super Eagles: 3 tactical tweaks Amorim & Simeone have handed Chelle ahead of AFCON qualifiers

Nigeria’s Super Eagles have a demanding AFCON qualifying campaign ahead, and they will be looking to start on a high later this month, when they take on Madagascar and Guinea-Bissau, Afrik-Foot reports.

Coach Eric Chelle has one of the best squads on, and the utiliziation of that squad will be key. Since his appointment as Super Eagles coach, he has been able to instill a disciplined, attacking, and effective style of play.

However, there have been some tight situations where has has looked bereft of ideas when the team is in a tight situation. But the Nigeria coach does not have to look far for ideas on how to get more from some of his key players.

Across Europe, Ruben Amorim, Diego Simeone and Oliver Glasner have experimented with Nigerian internationals in ways that could offer Chelle fresh tactical options. Samuel Chukwueze’s role as a wing-back, Ademola Lookman’s deployment under Simeone and Ola Aina’s use in a three-man defence all present useful lessons.

These are not ready-made solutions for the Super Eagles. The formations, teammates and demands are different. But each experiment offers Chelle something worth studying.

1. Chukwueze As a Wing-Back: A Different Way To Use His Pace

Samuel Chukwueze has traditionally been viewed as an attacking winger, but Ruben Amorim’s willingness to use him in a wing-back role offers Chelle an alternative way to fit the AC Milan player into a more flexible system.

The appeal is obvious. Chukwueze’s acceleration, ability to carry the ball and willingness to attack space can make him useful from a deeper starting position. Rather than receiving the ball only in the final third, he can begin wider and deeper, advance with possession and create overloads on the flank.

Samuel Chukwueze vs Lazio

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For Nigeria, this could be particularly relevant if Chelle opts for a back three or a system that requires wing-backs to provide width. Chukwueze would not necessarily have to abandon his attacking instincts; instead, the role could give him a different route into dangerous areas.

The tactical challenge is defensive responsibility. A wing-back must know when to press, recover and protect the space behind him. Chelle would need to decide whether Chukwueze is best used as a starter in that role or as an attacking option when Nigeria needs to change the rhythm of a match.

2. Lookman Under Simeone: Freedom Matters As Much As Position

Ademola Lookman’s early experience at Atlético Madrid has already raised questions about how best to use one of Nigeria’s most creative attackers.

Diego Simeone initially deployed Lookman in a role that did not fully suit his preferred attacking movements, prompting a public conversation between the player and coach. Simeone later apologised for the decision, while Lookman acknowledged the manager’s explanation.

For Chelle, the important tactical takeaway is that Lookman should not be reduced to a fixed position on the team sheet.

At his best, Lookman can threaten from the left, drift inside, combine with a striker or attack the space between a full-back and centre-back. His effectiveness often comes from movement rather than simply holding a wide position.

That could influence how Nigeria structures its attack. Instead of asking Lookman to remain permanently on one flank, Chelle could give him permission to move into central areas when the opportunity come, particularly when the striker – Victor Osimhen or Akor Adams – occupies defenders.

3. Aina In a Three-Man Defence: Versatility Beyond The Full-Back Role

Ola Aina’s use in a three-man defensive system under Oliver Glasner offers perhaps the most direct lesson for Chelle.

Aina is comfortable operating as a full-back or wing-back, but his ability to defend from a wider centre-back position adds another dimension to his profile. In a back three, he can defend the channel, step into midfield when necessary and help Nigeria build play from the back without needing a conventional full-back to remain on the pitch.

For the Super Eagles, that versatility could be valuable against opponents who defend narrowly or attempt to overload the centre. Aina’s positioning can help Nigeria maintain defensive numbers while still allowing the team to create width through its wing-backs.

It also gives Chelle more options when selecting his defensive structure. A back three featuring Aina could allow the coach to use more attacking wing-backs, while Aina’s pace and experience in wide defensive areas could help cover spaces that might otherwise be exposed.