Super Eagles: To rotate or not to rotate vs Uganda in AFCON 2025 dead rubber?

Nigeria coach Eric Chelle says the Super Eagles may be forced into late adjustments ahead of their final AFCON 2025 Group C game against Uganda, after confirming minor fitness concerns in camp. 

The team is already through to the Round of 16, but the coaching staff remain wary following two goals conceded against Tanzania and a tense 3-2 win over Tunisia. Speaking in the pre-match press conference, Chelle revealed that two key squad members are currently being assessed after picking up knocks during training.

“Nwablili has a small pain in his knee, Frank [Onyeka] on his ankle. There will be a surprise in the team rotation tomorrow but for now, I can’t tell you anything,” the Super Eagles boss said.

With progress already secured, Chelle suggested that the clash with Uganda could offer an opportunity to refresh the lineup, while also maintaining competitive rhythm ahead of the knockout phase. Nigeria round off their Group C campaign on Tuesday.

How much rotation is ideal for Super Eagles vs Uganda?

While the ongoing injury concerns around Onyeka and Nwabali make it expedient to leave them both out, there is still a question as to just how much of a rejig is wise for the Super Eagles.

The benefits to sweeping rotation are obvious: rest, recuperation, and freshness for more daunting challenges in the knockout stages. However, there are also negative possibilities, particularly in the form of a loss of rhythm, that must be taken into account. 

In the 2021 edition, following wins over Egypt and Sudan, the Super Eagles made wholesale changes to their starting XI for the dead rubber against Guinea Bissau. Austin Eguavoen’s side would ultimately win 2-0, but come their Round of 16 appointment with Tunisia, they looked shorn of the effervescence that had defined their opening two victories, only really perking up, to no avail, in the final third of the proceedings when already a goal down.

As such, while changes are expedient, Chelle would do well to judge the situation carefully, perhaps limiting his changes to players who, like Nwabali and Onyeka, are nursing injuries, or those who are in danger of a suspension, such as Ademola Lookman, Semi Ajayi and Victor Osimhen.