Super Eagles: 6 midfielders Eric Chelle could pick for Tanzania double-header

Super Eagles coach Eric Chelle could change his midfield formation when Nigeria face Tanzania in their 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying double-header on November 13 and 17.

The Franco-Malian has favoured a narrow diamond formation, which allows him to field four central midfielders. However, Nigeria’s 3-0 defeat to Guinea-Bissau exposed the weaknesses of the system, particularly against teams that defend deep and exploit the space on the wings.

Chelle is considering a three-man midfield or a flatter formation that would give Nigeria more width, protect the defence and improve their attacking play.

Wilfred Ndidi, Alex Iwobi and Frank Onyeka are among the experienced options available. However, the performances of other Nigerian midfielders in Europe have given the coach more players to consider.

Seven players are in contention, but Onyeka’s lack of regular playing time could cost him a place as Chelle settles on his final six.

Super Eagles: Who makes Chelle’s squad for Tanzania?

1. Tochukwu Nnadi, Olympique de Marseille

Tochukwu Nnadi has recovered from his knee injury and returned to Marseille’s starting line-up at an important stage of the season.

The midfielder made an immediate impact, playing the full 90 minutes and providing an assist in Marseille’s 5-2 away win over Angers SCO.

He has since started against Le Havre and Toulouse, giving him a good run of matches since his return.

Nnadi’s passing ability and work rate could make him a useful option for Chelle if he changes his midfield formation.

The 22-year-old is comfortable receiving the ball under pressure, keeping possession and winning it back when his team loses it.

Those qualities could help Nigeria move the ball quickly from defence to attack, particularly against opponents who sit deep.

Verdict: Makes the final six. Nnadi’s performances for Marseille and his ability to keep possession make him a strong candidate for the Tanzania fixtures.

2. Wilfred Ndidi, Beşiktaş

Wilfred Ndidi remains one of the most important players in the Super Eagles midfield and should retain his place despite the possibility of a tactical change.

The Beşiktaş midfielder has featured regularly in domestic and European competitions. He also scored against Crystal Palace in the UEFA Europa League on October 22.

Ndidi brings leadership and experience to the national team. His tackling, positional discipline and ability to recover possession make him an important player, particularly in difficult away matches.

However, Chelle must decide whether to continue using him alongside another defensive midfielder or give him sole responsibility for protecting the back four.

The partnership between Ndidi and Onyeka has sometimes left Nigeria short of creativity. Playing Ndidi as the holding midfielder could allow Iwobi and other attack-minded players to push forward.

Verdict: Makes the final six. Ndidi is the Super Eagles captain, making his experience, leadership and defensive qualities invaluable for Chelle and the team.

3. Raphael Onyedika, Eintracht Frankfurt

Raphael Onyedika has made an impressive start to life in the Bundesliga following his move to Eintracht Frankfurt.

The 25-year-old midfielder has featured regularly for his new club and scored in their 3-1 victory over Hamburger SV on November 1.

An astute central midfielder with a range of passing abilities unlike no other in the Super Eagles, Onyedika is one player Chelle cannot ignore. The former Club Brugge man can win possession, break up opposition attacks and join his teammates in the final third.

These qualities could be useful if Chelle opts for a three-man midfield.

Verdict: Makes the final six. Onyedika’s Bundesliga form and ability to contribute in both defence and attack make him one of the strongest candidates for selection.

4. Alex Iwobi, Fulham

Alex Iwobi remains Nigeria’s main creative option in midfield and is unlikely to be left out of Chelle’s plans for the Super Eagles’ next match against Tanzania.

The Fulham midfielder has continued to impress in the Premier League, scoring goals and helping his club create chances.

He scored the winning goal in Fulham’s 1-0 victory over Hull City on October 17 and also played important roles in matches against Aston Villa and Ipswich Town.

Iwobi’s ability to play in different positions makes him particularly valuable to the Super Eagles. He can operate behind the striker, drop deeper to collect possession or move into wide areas when Nigeria need to stretch an opposition defence.

That versatility will be important with Chukwueze unavailable. Nigeria will need players who can supply Victor Osimhen and the other forwards, especially if Tanzania defend deep and leave little room around their penalty area.

Chelle could give Iwobi more freedom in attack if he decides to abandon the diamond formation.

Verdict: Makes the final six. Iwobi is an automatic choice. His creativity and ability to play across the midfield make him difficult to leave out.

5. Fisayo Dele-Bashiru, Lazio

Fisayo Dele-Bashiru has given Chelle another attacking alternative from midfield with his return from injury and recent performances for Lazio.

The midfielder recovered from a hamstring problem in October and scored against Juventus on October 19. He also provided an assist after coming off the bench in Lazio’s 6-2 victory over Sassuolo.

Dele-Bashiru offers qualities that are different from those of Nigeria’s other midfielders. His strength, pace and ability to carry the ball forward make him dangerous when opponents leave space in front of their defence.

The Super Eagles have sometimes struggled to break down teams that defend with several players behind the ball. Dele-Bashiru’s willingness to run at opponents could help Nigeria find openings.

He can also play in an advanced midfield position, giving Chelle another creative outlet alongside Iwobi.

Verdict: Makes the final six. His goalscoring return against Juventus and contribution against Sassuolo have boosted his chances. His direct running could give Nigeria another attacking force during the November international break.

6. David Moses, SK Slavia Prague

David Moses is one of the younger midfielders who could benefit from Chelle’s plans to change the team’s formation.

The 22-year-old has enjoyed a good season at Slavia Prague, impressing in the Czech league and the UEFA Champions League.

He played an important role in Slavia’s 3-0 victory over city rivals Sparta Prague, providing an assist in the derby. His performances have reportedly attracted interest from several European clubs, including AS Roma, ahead of the winter transfer window.

Moses offers energy, technical ability and the willingness to carry the ball through midfield. He can play as a defensive midfielder or on the right side of a three-man midfield.

The youngster has the ability to win possession and move the ball forward, which could become useful if Nigeria adopt a system built around quicker transitions.

Verdict: Makes the final six. Moses deserves an opportunity after his performances in Prague. His versatility and energy could prove useful if Chelle changes the midfield structure.

7. Frank Onyeka, Coventry City

Frank Onyeka’s experience and defensive qualities make him a contender for a place in the Super Eagles squad, but his lack of playing time could work against him.

The midfielder joined Coventry City permanently during the summer and was expected to provide energy and defensive stability.

However, he has struggled in recent times to secure regular minutes under Frank Lampard and has increasingly found himself on the bench.

Onyeka has not featured for Coventry since their 1-0 home defeat to Fulham in late October. That could put a dark spot on his match fitness ahead of the international window.

He remains an energetic midfielder who can press opponents, win tackles and disrupt attacks before they reach the defence. He also has experience playing alongside Ndidi, and the pair could give Nigeria extra protection in midfield.

However, with several other midfielders playing regularly for their clubs, Onyeka’s lack of involvement could cost him a place.

Verdict: Misses the final six. Onyeka remains a useful choice for the Super Eagles, but his limited playing time at Coventry makes it difficult to pick him ahead of midfielders who are regularly featuring for their clubs.