Super Eagles: 3 problems Eric Chelle must fix before Nigeria face Tanzania

Éric Chelle has three major decisions to make before Nigeria take on Tanzania in their November AFCON 2027 qualifying double-header.

The Super Eagles coach is under pressure after Nigeria’s 3-0 defeat to Guinea-Bissau left the former African champions struggling in Group L.

He needs six points from the two games next month to revive Nigeria’s campaign, but questions over his attack, team selection and coaching duties could complicate preparations.

Three Super Eagles dilemmas facing Chelle

Osimhen, Iheanacho and the fight for starting places

Victor Osimhen’s return is a boost for Nigeria after he missed the October fixtures because of a fitness concern. However, Chelle must decide how to fit the striker into a forward line that has several players pushing for places.

Kelechi Iheanacho has also made a strong case for selection. He scored in Nigeria’s 3-3 friendly draw against Russia and has continued to find the net regularly for his Turkish club. The former Leicester City star is on a record-setting goal streak at Bursaspor.

Tolu Arokodare, Akor Adams and George Ilenikhena are other options, giving Chelle a difficult choice over who starts and who makes the bench.

The coach must decide whether to play Osimhen alongside another striker or use a lone forward. Whatever his choice, Nigeria need an attack that can score goals without leaving the midfield and defence exposed.

New faces put pressure on established stars

Chelle must also decide whether to stick with experienced players or give more opportunities to the younger players who impressed against Russia.

Nine players made their international debuts in the 3-3 draw, including Peter Edokpolor, Igor Wilfred and Abubakar Umar, who have given the coach more options in midfield and attack.

Their performances could put pressure on established players following Nigeria’s poor display against Guinea-Bissau.

Nigeria’s defence has failed to keep a clean sheet in the Super Eagles last five games against Russia, Guinea-Bissau, Madagascar, Portugal and Poland.

While there is no questioning the quality of Semi Ajayi, Bright Osayi-Samuel, and goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali, Chelle may have to make some bold decisions for the team. Youngsters like Chibuike Nwaiwu, Abdullahi Bewene and Benjamin Fredrick have shown enough talent to earn more Super Eagles minutes.

Chelle faces a clash of coaching duties

The Super Eagles coach has another problem to resolve because he also leads Nigeria’s U-23 Olympic Eagles.

Both teams are scheduled to play qualifying matches on November 13 and 17. The senior team will host Tanzania in Uyo before travelling to Dar es Salaam, while the Olympic Eagles face DR Congo in Lubumbashi and Ikenne.

Chelle cannot be on the touchline for both teams at the same time. The Nigeria Football Federation must therefore decide how to share the coaching staff and where his presence will be most needed.

With Nigeria needing results against Tanzania, Chelle has little room for mistakes. His choices over the next few weeks could determine whether the Super Eagles get their AFCON 2027 campaign back on track.