The Eric Chelle era as head coach of the Super Eagles has kicked off with plenty of noise — and not all of it is good.
Yes, there was a flicker of hope after Victor Osimhen’s deadly brace secured a 2-0 away win against Rwanda in the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers. But that joy quickly gave way to frustration when Nigeria fumbled a 1-0 lead against Zimbabwe in Uyo, settling for a 1-1 draw that left fans scratching their heads about the team’s direction.
Back in Europe, Chelle is said to be working quietly but intensely — scouting Nigerian talents across the globe in a bid to rebuild and reimagine the Super Eagles. And let’s face it, the squad desperately needs reinforcements in a few key areas.
Here’s a breakdown of four critical positions Chelle must strengthen to give Nigeria a fighting chance at World Cup qualification — and maybe even bring the fear factor back to African football.
1. Left-Back – The Forgotten Flank
Once a position stacked with legends like Babayaro, Udeze, and Taiye Taiwo, Nigeria’s left-back options have thinned out dangerously.
With Jamilu Collins aging out, Zaidu Sanusi injured, and Calvin Bassey now a centre-back, Chelle has been forced to play right-back Ola Aina on the left — a band-aid solution that can’t continue.
Olympiakos’ Bruno Onyemaechi is the only natural left-back in the squad, but Chelle doesn’t seem convinced. Enter Solomon Agbalaka (FC Sochi), a rising star from the U20 World Cup, and youngsters like Christian Akpan (Genk) and Isaac James (Lorient) who offer pace, grit, and modern full-back flair.
Temporary fix? Move Bassey back to LB — but only if we lock in a rock-solid centre-back to partner him.
2. Centre-Back – No More Sentiment
The era of Balogun, Omeruo, and Ekong is fading — and so should the reliance on aging, injury-prone defenders.
While Chelle has brought in Jordan Torunarigha and Igoh Ogbu, the backline still lacks elite quality and composure. Torunarigha has shown promise at KAA Gent, but we need more firepower.
Enter potential game-changers:
Tosin Adarabioyo (Chelsea)
Caleb Okoli (Leicester City)
Gabriel Osho (Auxerre)
Chibuike Nwaiwu (Wolfsberger AC, 21)
Vince Osuji (Club Brugge, 19)
If Olisa Ndah (Orlando Pirates) can stay fit, he might offer Chelle the ball-playing defender he craves.
3. Central Midfield – Missing Magic
The current midfield trio of Ndidi, Onyeka, and Yusuf brings bite and experience — but lacks flair and imagination.
The Eagles need creativity, mobility, and intelligence in the middle.
Here are names that can elevate our game:
Fisayo Dele-Bashiru (Lazio) – silky, line-breaking midfielder
Raphael Onyedika (Club Brugge) – calm, composed, with elite passing vision
Carney Chukwuemeka (Chelsea) & Lesley Ugochukwu (eligible through descent)
Tim Iroegbunam (Everton)
Ebenezer Akinsanmiro (Inter Milan)
Anthony Dennis (Göztepe, 20)
Chelle has the tools — now he needs to build a midfield engine room that can dominate games, not just defend.
4. Right Wing – Bring Back the Fire
Remember when Nigeria’s right wing was a fearsome weapon? Think Finidi George, Odegbami, Babangida. Those days feel like history.
Now, Chukwueze’s inconsistency has left a void. And alternatives like Iheanacho, Tella, and Ejuke haven’t seized the moment.
One big target? Arsenal’s teenage prodigy Ethan Nwaneri — but convincing him to choose Nigeria over England is a long shot.
More realistic?
Peter Olayinka (Red Star Belgrade) – experienced, powerful, versatile
David Okereke (Gaziantep) – speed and directness
Chukwubuikem Ikwuemesi (OH Leuven) – raw but hungry
Chelle needs to stop rotating passengers and build around consistent, hungry wide players who can stretch and terrorize defences.
Final Whistle:
Rebuilding Nigeria’s Super Eagles isn’t just about fresh tactics — it’s about bold decisions, untapped potential, and a fearless new vision. With a rising crop of dual-national stars breaking through across Europe, Chelle has a golden chance to reset the narrative.
But to fly again, the Eagles must first fix their wings.
The future is waiting. The fans are watching. Chelle, over to you.
