Super Eagles head coach Eric Chelle has more selection decisions to make than he did a month ago after the results that surfaced in the just-concluded International break.
Nigeria’s 3-0 defeat to Guinea-Bissau exposed several weaknesses, with some established players failing to perform. The result left Nigeria three points behind the Group L leaders and increased the pressure on Chelle ahead of November’s crucial double-header against Tanzania.
However, the response against Russia provided a different problem for the coach.
Nine players made their Nigeria debuts in the 3-3 draw, while Kelechi Iheanacho, Peter Edokpolor and Abdullahi Bewene were among those who were very impressive.
With Nigeria’s next game approaching, Chelle may have to reward hunger and recent performances over reputation, or the stature of some of these players at club level.
Super Eagles: 5 players Eric Chelle should drop
1. Bright Osayi-Samuel
The Birmingham City defender was one of Nigeria’s worst performers in the 3-0 defeat to Guinea-Bissau, after being caught out for both the second and third goals.
He was beaten for pace by Mama Baldé before Álvaro Djaló exposed him again in stoppage time.
Chelle already has alternatives. Abdullahi Bewene used the Russia friendly to show he belongs with the big boys, providing the assist for Iheanacho’s opener.
Ryan Alebiosu has also been in good form for Blackburn Rovers, and will be itching to get a second cap.
2. Isaac James
James is not yet an established Super Eagles regular, and that is why his performance against Russia could postpone when his second cap comes along.
The Alverca defender struggled with some of the basics of the position, despite completing three dribbles, the most of any player in the match. Afrik-Foot rated him 6.2/10 and noted his difficulties knowing when to pass, hold possession and stay back.
That means the 22-year-old has not done enough to overtake more experienced names like Bruno Onyemaechi and Zaidu Sanusi.
3. Taiwo Awoniyi
Awoniyi’s route back into the Super Eagles was created by Osimhen’s injury rather than solid goal-scoring form.
He was a late replacement for Osimhen and struggled to make an impression in September. He managed only 22 minutes against Madagascar before starting against Guinea-Bissau and getting withdrawn at half-time after another ineffective display.
The problem is what happens when Osimhen returns. If Osimhen and Paul Onuachu are fit, while George Ilenikhena continues scoring in the Saudi Pro League, Awoniyi faces competition from Tolu Arokodare and Kelechi Iheanacho as well, and if he doesn’t outscore them, he’ll most likely not be called up.
4. Ademola Lookman
Lookman remains one of Nigeria’s most talented players, but his form this season has been poor, scoring just one goal in 10 appearances for club and country across all competitions.
Against Madagascar and Guinea-Bissau, the 2024 CAF Player of the Year saw his display characterised by poor first touches, incomplete passes, and half-hearted attempts.
There is also new competition arriving behind him. Moses Usor scored on his debut for Nigeria, while Peter Edokpolor scored on his debut against Russia, giving Eric Chelle two new options.
Lookman should still be called upon because of his quality, but his starting position should no longer be guaranteed, barring improved form.
5. Moses Simon
Simon’s case is different. The 31-year-old is a respected senior figure who reached 100 Super Eagles caps during the Madagascar game.
However, his importance to the national team is being questioned by his lack of club minutes and end product.
Simon has made only four Ligue 1 appearances for Paris FC this season, starting once and playing 133 minutes without a goal or assist.
He also struggled to make a decisive impact against Russia. Afrik-Foot rated him 6.7/10 after he failed to turn his runs into anything concrete before being replaced by Edokpolor in the 70th minute.
Edokpolor then changed the game. The 19-year-old scored eight minutes after coming on and demonstrated the hunger that Chelle wants from his wingers.
That does not erase Simon’s experience and the usefulness of his leadership in the dressing room, but Nigeria do not need to rely on a veteran who is struggling for regular club minutes when younger options are demanding opportunities.
Chelle’s November selection dilemma
Nigeria cannot afford another poor international break. The Super Eagles are currently three points behind Guinea-Bissau in Group L, while Tanzania are already guaranteed a place at AFCON 2027 as co-hosts.
Nigeria need to maximise the November home-and-away meetings against the Taifa Stars.
Chelle does not need to discard experience, but the Russia draw showed him that there is a lot of competition for places.
For Osayi-Samuel, James, Awoniyi, Lookman and Simon, their club form will determine whether they remain in the starting XI.
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