Super Eagles’ 5-man right-back tussle: Where Bewene, Aina, Osayi-Samuel, Alebiosu stand

Abdullahi Bewene’s second straight Super Eagles call-up has added another name to Eric Chelle’s right-back equation ahead of Nigeria’s 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers, Afrik-Foot reports.

The 21-year-old Baník Ostrava defender has reportedly been included again for the September games against Madagascar and Guinea-Bissau after making his senior debut during Nigeria’s June friendlies against Poland and Portugal. Bewene started the 2-2 draw with Poland on June 3 and played 31 minutes against Portugal seven days later.

His latest invitation comes at an interesting point for Chelle. Nigeria have experienced options, players pushing for a return and younger defenders trying to force their way into the picture. Ola Aina, Bright Osayi-Samuel and Ryan Alebiosu all have senior international experience, while Christian Akpan offers another young, versatile option across the defence.

Chelle has already spoken about the difficulty of breaking into the Super Eagles. The September squad now provides another test of how the coach sees the position as Nigeria prepare for competitive football.

Super Eagles right-back options

Abdullahi Bewene

Bewene has moved quickly from prospect to senior international option.

The Abuja-born defender came through Baník Ostrava’s academy and reserve team before establishing himself with the Czech club. In August, Baník extended his contract until June 2031, with the club describing his progress as significant enough to earn senior Nigeria recognition.

His first Super Eagles appearance came against Poland in Warsaw. He played the full 90 minutes at right-back in the 2-2 draw before coming on against Portugal in Lisbon.

His club role has also been flexible. The youngster has been deployed at right-back, right midfield and defensive midfield for Baník.

That versatility gives Chelle another type of full-back. Bewene can defend from the flank but has also played higher up the pitch and in central areas. His second call-up means he now has another opportunity to turn his early international exposure into a regular place in the squad.

Ola Aina

Aina brings the most established profile of the group.

The Nottingham Forest defender has played in both the Premier League and Serie A and has been a regular Nigeria international since making his senior debut. Forest extended his contract in July 2025 until 2028 after he helped the club finish seventh in the Premier League.

His value to Chelle is also linked to his ability to play on either side of the defence. At Forest, Aina has spent much of his time at right-back despite being naturally left-footed, giving his team another way to build attacks from that position.

The issue has been availability. Aina’s last Nigeria appearance came against South Africa in September 2025, and he missed the 2026 friendlies against Poland and Portugal.

If Aina is fit and selected, his experience puts him straight into the conversation. Bewene’s arrival does not erase that history. It gives Chelle another player to assess against an established international.

Ryan Alebiosu

Alebiosu offers another link between Nigeria’s established squad and its next generation.

The Blackburn Rovers full-back came through Arsenal’s academy before spells with Crewe Alexandra, Kilmarnock, Kortrijk and St Mirren. Blackburn signed him in 2025, and he is now a first-team full-back at Ewood Park.

He has already experienced senior international football. Alebiosu earned his first Nigeria cap against Uganda during the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations and was competing for further minutes before an injury interrupted his tournament.

At 24, Alebiosu is old enough to have senior experience but young enough to fit into a longer-term rebuild. Another Nigeria call-up would give Chelle a chance to compare him directly with Bewene and the more experienced options.

Bright Osayi-Samuel

Osayi-Samuel brings a different profile because he can play as a right-back or winger.

The Birmingham City defender has already played 34 Nigeria matches, and started six of Nigeria’s 10 matches in 2026. His last international appearance came in the 2-2 friendly draw with Jordan on March 31, when he played all 90 minutes.

His club form has also put him back into the conversation. On the opening weekend of the 2026-27 Championship season, he recovered possession 16 times against Sheffield United, five more than any other player in the EFL that weekend, while also winning seven of 12 duels and completing two dribbles.

Osayi-Samuel then continued to start regularly for Birmingham, with seven Championship starts in seven appearances at the start of the season, including the 2-1 win over Derby County on September 12.

That experience and physical strength give Chelle another option. His ability to move between defence and attack also allows Nigeria to change the shape of the right side without necessarily making a substitution.

Christian Akpan

Akpan is the youngest and most positionally flexible name in the group.

The 21-year-old joined KRC Genk’s senior setup in 2026 after developing with Jong Genk. Traditionally a left-back, he is versatile enough to produce solid displays in with defensive midfield and at right-back.

His senior international experience is limited, but he has already appeared for Nigeria, a 60-minute appearance against Portugal on June 10.

Akpan has experience playing in midfield, which could appeal to a coach looking for defenders who can step inside during possession.

His route into the right-back conversation is therefore different from Aina’s or Osayi-Samuel’s. Akpan is not simply competing as a specialist right-back. He is trying to prove that his ability to cover several defensive roles can earn him space in Chelle’s squad.

The September qualifiers will give Chelle another chance to define the order, with Bewene, Aina, Alebiosu, Osayi-Samuel and Akpan all competing for two defensive spots.

Those who get picked will have the profile that best fits what Chelle wants Nigeria’s full-back to do against Madagascar and Guinea-Bissau.