4 strikers Chelle could pick for Super Eagles vs Tanzania: Osimhen returns, Tolu pushes

Super Eagles coach Eric Chelle must decide which four strikers to take for Nigeria’s crucial double-header against Tanzania in the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers.

As it stands, six Super Eagles centre-forwards are in excellent form at the moment, a situation that should delight and disturb Chelle in equal measure.

Victor Osimhen, George Ilenikhena, Tolu Arokodare, Cyriel Dessers, Akor Adams and Kelechi Iheanacho have all impressed at club level this season, but not everyone is likely to make the final cut.

Nigeria head into the November fixtures under pressure after their 3-0 defeat to Guinea-Bissau on Matchday 2. With Tanzania already qualified for AFCON 2027 as co-hosts, the Super Eagles need wins in both matches to boost their chances of progressing from Group L.

Osimhen leads as Chelle adds Ilenikhena

Osimhen should lead Nigeria’s attack as he recovered from the injury that kept him out of the Madagascar and Guinea-Bissau games in September.

The Galatasaray striker has scored eight goals and provided three assists in eight matches across all competitions this season. His return would give Nigeria their leading attacking option for the Tanzania games.

Ilenikhena has also given Chelle plenty to consider. The 20-year-old Al-Ittihad forward has scored six goals and provided three assists in eight league appearances. His pace and finishing could make him a useful option off the bench.

Ilenikhena scored on his Super Eagles debut against Madagascar and he is almost guaranteed his spot in Chelle’s November squad barring any injury troubles.

Arokodare has made an equally strong case. The Ajax striker has nine goals and three assists in 14 appearances for the Dutch giants since joining on loan from Wolves in the summer. Standing at 1.97 metres, he offers an aerial threat that could help Nigeria against a side defending deep.

Iheanacho’s versatility gives him an edge

Kelechi Iheanacho is Nigeria’s most prolific forward in Europe this season, though he plays for a club in the Turkish second division.

The Super Eagles striker has scored 16 goals and provided three assists in 12 appearances for Bursaspor. Hw also found the net for Nigeria during the international friendly draw with Russia in October.

His ability to play behind the main striker could also work in his favour. Unlike the other candidates, Iheanacho can operate as a second striker or attacking midfielder, giving Chelle another option if he wants to play Osimhen alongside a partner.

Dessers has scored nine goals in 14 appearances for Panathinaikos. The striker has 11 caps and four goals for Nigeria, and his international experience could count in his favour.

Adams has four goals and one assist in 10 appearances for Venezia. He has scored seven goals in 18 appearances for the Super Eagles and offers strength and a willingness to work for the team.

Both players have reasons to expect a call-up, but the competition is fierce, particularly with Osimhen expected to return.

Super Eagles: Four places, six contenders

Based on their current form and the different options they offer, Osimhen, Ilenikhena, Adams and Iheanacho could be Chelle’s preferred four.

Osimhen would lead the line, with Ilenikhena providing a younger attacking option. Adams would give Nigeria mobility and a familiarity with Osimhen, while Iheanacho’s ability to create chances and play behind the striker would add flexibility.

That could leave Dessers and Arokodare out of the squad, although Chelle may favour either player depending on fitness and his plans for the two matches.

Nigeria are scheduled to host Tanzania on November 11, with kick-off set for 6pm WAT, before travelling for the return leg on November 15. The first match is slated for Godswill Akpabio Stadium in Uyo.