Super Eagles squad vs Tanzania: 8 defenders Chelle must pick for AFCON qualifiers

Super Eagles head coach Eric Chelle has some important decisions to make as he prepares his squad for Nigeria’s 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying double-header against Tanzania.

Nigeria need to bounce back from their 3-0 defeat to Guinea-Bissau, which dealt a serious blow to their Group L campaign. Tightening up the defence must be a priority, with the Super Eagles struggling to keep clean sheets.

Chelle is expected to select eight defenders, with four full-backs and four centre-backs. Bright Osayi-Samuel, Calvin Bassey and Semi Ajayi have made strong cases for inclusion, but several players are still competing for places.

Super Eagles full-backs for Tanzania

Bright Osayi-Samuel and Ola Aina should take the two right-back spots, although their recent club performances have been different.

Osayi-Samuel returned from the October international break in good form, producing a Man of the Match display for Birmingham against West Bromwich Albion. The former Fenerbahçe star has a day to forget against Guinea-Bissau and he would be raring for the chance to make amends.

Aina has had a difficult spell at Nottingham Forest over the past few weeks but he remains the Super Eagles’ first choice at right-back. He was substituted at half-time in Forest’s 2-0 defeat to Brentford, but his experience and ability to play on either flank should count in his favour.

Chelle has additional covers in Ryan Alebiosu and Abdullahi Bewene but both face an uphill task to displace Aina and Osayi-Samuel.

Nigeria’s third most valuable left-back after Felix Agu and Zaidu Sanusi, Bruno Onyemaechi has been reliable for Chelle and Nigeria in recent times. The Olympiakos man should take one of the left-back positions, having become a key part of the Super Eagles setup under the Malian tactician.

Isaac James should get the other spot. The young Alverca defender, who made his Super Eagles debut against Russia in October, provides natural cover at left-back. Zaidu Sanusi may be dropped again from the squad after struggling to get regular playing time at Porto.

Super Eagles centre-backs for Tanzania

Calvin Bassey and Semi Ajayi should be Chelle’s first choices at centre-back.

Manchester United-linked Bassey has impressed for Fulham, putting in a strong performance in their 1-1 draw against Aston Villa – he was named the best player in that encounter.

The former Ajax defender is fast, strong and reliable when handling one-on-one situations, making him an important player for the Super Eagles.

Ajayi has also been consistent, offering aerial strength and experience for Hull City in the Premier League and Nigeria’s national team. His leadership will be valuable as the Super Eagles look to avoid another costly defensive performance.

Benjamin Fredrick should take the third spot. The young defender has shown promise at Brentford and can offer Chelle a talented alternative in central defence.

Trabzonspor star Chibuike Nwaiwu should complete the four. His excellent form in Turkey gives him an advantage over other Super Eagles contenders such as Emmanuel Fernandez, Chidozie Awaziem, Igoh Ogbu and Akpe Victory.

Those players remain in contention, but Bassey, Ajayi, Fredrick and Nwaiwu look like the strongest combination.

Final verdict

Chelle should select Bright Osayi-Samuel, Ola Aina, Bruno Onyemaechi and Isaac James as his four full-backs, with Calvin Bassey, Semi Ajayi, Benjamin Fredrick and Chibuike Nwaiwu completing the defensive line-up.

The selection would give Nigeria a mix of experience, youth and players in good club form.

After the defeat to Guinea-Bissau, Chelle needs a defence capable of dealing with Tanzania’s attacks and giving the Super Eagles a better chance of collecting maximum points.