Super Eagles: 3 strikers who could join Osimhen in Chelle’s squad for Tanzania

Super Eagles coach Éric Chelle has several decisions to make as he prepares his squad for Nigeria’s 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying matches against Tanzania.

Chelle has reportedly submitted his squad list to the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), with the official announcement expected this week. Victor Osimhen is expected to lead the attack, but the coach must decide which three other strikers deserve a place.

Seven forwards are competing for those spots, with Gift Orban, Tolu Arokodare and Terem Moffi among the leading candidates after scoring regularly for their clubs.

Umar Sadiq, Kelechi Iheanacho, Paul Onuachu and George Ilenikhena are also hoping to make the cut.

Nigeria will host Tanzania at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium in Uyo on November 13 before travelling to Dar es Salaam for the return match at the Benjamin Mkapa National Stadium on November 17.

The Super Eagles cannot afford another poor result after their 3-0 defeat to Guinea-Bissau. Chelle will need forwards who are in good scoring form as Nigeria chase six points from the two matches.

Here is a look at the eight strikers and their chances of making the squad.

Super Eagles strikers battle for three places

1. Victor Osimhen (Galatasaray)

Osimhen is certain to lead Nigeria’s attack against Tanzania after another productive spell at Galatasaray.

The Super Eagles striker scored four goals in October, including two in Galatasaray’s 2-1 victory over Fenerbahçe in the Istanbul derby. He also scored against Lille and Konyaspor. He played the full 90 minutes in Galatasaray’s 2-0 Champions League victory over VfB Stuttgart on November 3.

With 35 goals in only 51 games, Osimhen has become Nigeria’s number-one centre-forward and his performances in Turkey have given Chelle little reason to consider leaving him out.

The former Napoli man boasts strength, movement and finishing that make him a difficult opponent for defenders. He can also create chances without depending on his teammates to supply him with clear-cut opportunities.

With Nigeria needing goals against Tanzania, Osimhen will be expected to lead from the front.

Verdict: Guaranteed selection. Osimhen will lead the Super Eagles attack.

2. Gift Orban (Amedspor)

Orban has given Chelle a strong reason to include him after an excellent run in front of goal.

The former Gent striker has scored nine league goals for Amedspor. He also scored and provided an assist in their 5-1 win over Eyüpspor on November 1. That took his tally to 13 goal contributions in 10 appearances.

Orban has shown that he can score in different ways, whether by running behind defenders, attacking crosses or taking chances inside the box. The former Lyon man can also strike the ball with venom from distance.

His current form makes him one of the strongest candidates for a place in the Super Eagles squad. Nigeria need more players who can contribute goals, rather than relying almost entirely on Osimhen.

If Chelle wants a forward who can make an impact without needing many chances, Orban deserves serious consideration.

Verdict: Strong candidate. His nine league goals make a convincing case for selection.

3. Tolu Arokodare (Ajax Amsterdam)

Arokodare has also enjoyed a productive October, scoring four goals in six appearances for Ajax.

One of his most important contributions was the winner against Atalanta in the Champions League on October 22. He also scored the winning header against AZ Alkmaar. His performances earned him two nominations for Ajax’s Goal of the Month award.

Arokodare would give Nigeria a different option in attack. The former Amiens striker is tall, strong and efficient in the air, while his ability to hold up the ball allows teammates to join the attack.

He could be particularly useful against Tanzania if the opponents sit deep and force Nigeria to rely on crosses and set pieces.

The ex-Genk striker has also shown that he can score against strong opposition, making his recent form difficult to ignore.

Verdict: Strong candidate. His goals and aerial ability make him a good partner or alternative to Osimhen.

4. Terem Moffi (Hamburger SV)

Moffi has put himself in contention with goals in consecutive matches across October and November.

He scored late in a DFB-Pokal match on October 27 before finding the net again against Eintracht Frankfurt in the Bundesliga on November 1. His 14th-minute equaliser against Frankfurt was another reminder of his ability to take chances when they come.

The Nigerian forward has previous experience with the Super Eagles and knows what international football demands.

The former OGC Nice star has qualities that could help Nigeria against a Tanzania side that will be determined to frustrate the visitors. Moffi’s recent goals have also come at the right time, with Chelle preparing to settle on his attacking options.

Verdict: Strong candidate. His recent goals and international experience put him ahead of several other contenders.

5. George Ilenikhena (Al-Ittihad)

Ilenikhena is among the younger forwards hoping to earn a place in Chelle’s squad.

The 19-year-old scored twice and provided an assist in October. He found the net in consecutive Saudi Pro League matches against Al-Ettifaq on October 20 and Diriyah Club on October 23.

He also came on as a substitute in Al-Ittihad’s AFC Champions League Elite match on November 2.

Ilenikhena offers pace and energy, and his runs behind defenders could cause problems for opposing backlines.

The former AS Monaco lad scored on his international debut for the Super Eagles and his recent club performances suggest he has plenty to offer Nigeria. Chelle is a big fan and the Tanzania games offer the Malian an opportunity to unleash the partnership of Ilenikhena and Osimhen.

Verdict: Strong contender. He has shown promise, but a place in the squad may come too soon.

6. Umar Sadiq (Valencia)

Sadiq boosted his chances of earning a recall after scoring the winner for Valencia against Elche on November 1.

The Nigerian came off the bench and struck in the 69th minute to give his team a 1-0 away victory.

The goal was an important contribution for a striker who has struggled to establish himself as a regular starter.

Sadiq’s height, strength and technical ability have always been his best weapons while his trickery in and around the box could give Nigeria another route to goal. He also has experience with the national team, which could work in his favour.

However, his limited playing time is a concern, especially with Orban, Arokodare and Moffi enjoying better scoring runs.

Verdict: Outside contender. The goal against Elche helps his case, but he needs more regular minutes.

7. Paul Onuachu (Trabzonspor)

Onuachu remains available for Chelle, particularly if the coach wants a tall striker who can trouble defenders in the air.

The Trabzonspor forward has mostly featured as a substitute in recent matches. However, he made his minutes count against KuPS on October 15, scoring just 10 minutes after coming off the bench in a 4-2 continental victory.

At 6ft 7in, Onuachu offers qualities that few of Nigeria’s other forwards can match. He can win aerial duels, hold up the ball and give defenders plenty to deal with inside the box.

He could be useful against a Tanzanian team that will likely defend deep and leave little space for quick attacking combinations.

His problem is the lack of regular starting opportunities. With other forwards scoring consistently, Onuachu could struggle to secure one of the available places.

Verdict: Outside contender. His aerial strength is useful, but his limited playing time could cost him a place.

8. Kelechi Iheanacho (Bursaspor)

Fenerbahçe-linked Iheanacho has been among the goals at Bursaspor, scoring five times in October alone.

The former Leicester City man netted a brace against Muğlaspor and also scored against Mardin, Pendikspor and Ankara Keçiörengücü. His run of scoring in 12 consecutive league matches finally ended against Bandırmaspor on October 31.

Iheanacho also scored on his return to the Super Eagles last month, opening the scoring in the 3-3 friendly draw with Russia.

Unlike some of the other contenders, he can play as a central striker or operate behind the main forward. That flexibility could appeal to Chelle as he considers how to get the best out of his attacking players.

However, his scoring run has ended, and the competition for places is strong. His previous experience with Nigeria could help, but his recent form must be weighed against the performances of the other forwards.

Verdict: Outside contender. His five October goals make him a serious option, but the competition is fierce.