Super Eagles: How Chelle could stun Tanzania with a new role for Ndidi

Super Eagles coach Eric Chelle may hold an ace up his sleeve ahead of Nigeria’s upcoming fixtures against Tanzania in November.

​Nigeria will play the third and fourth matches of their 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying series against Tanzania, and they must win both legs — home and away — if they are to keep their qualification hopes alive.

​They lost their second game of the series against Guinea-Bissau, leaving them in a precarious position.

​Coach Eric Chelle is expected to be proactive and call up his most trusted players, chief among whom is captain Wilfred Ndidi.

​The Besiktas star featured in the last two games against Madagascar and Guinea-Bissau, coming under heavy criticism for his performances. Yet, he remains one of the most reliable players, particularly as Raphael Onyedika, touted as his natural successor, has not been particularly convincing.

​Ndidi will likely captain the side and anchor the midfield against the Taifa Stars, and his versatility offers Chelle a tactical tweak that could be exploited.

​Super Eagles: The Wilfred Ndidi Tweak Eric Chelle Could Exploit

​Wilfred Ndidi’s natural position is defensive midfield. Currently at Besiktas, however, manager Vincenzo Italiano has tweaked how the 29-year-old is deployed, and that adjustment is paying off.

​Rather than playing strictly as a deep-lying anchor, Ndidi is being used as a central box-to-box midfielder. That role allows him to cover every blade of grass and contribute meaningfully in the final third. He even scored against Crystal Palace in the Conference League last week.

​Given its success in Turkey, this is a tactical option Chelle could replicate against Tanzania and in upcoming fixtures moving forward.

​Adopting it could alter the balance of the side, as Alex Iwobi might be displaced. Still, it remains a viable solution, especially given Ndidi’s familiarity with the physical demands of African football. He is strong, aggressive, and possesses the work rate to execute the role effectively.

​It now remains to be seen whether Chelle will consider this possibility.