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Eric Chelle faces an enormous task as he takes charge of the Super Eagles, and the scale of the challenge ahead cannot be overstated. With the 2026 World Cup qualifiers resuming in March, we have identified key issues he must fix if Nigeria are to revive their faltering campaign.
Appointed in January 2025, Chelle will oversee his first set of games when the Super Eagles take on Rwanda and Zimbabwe in March to resume their World Cup qualifying campaign.
It is a critical period for Nigeria, who can afford little margin for error after failing to win any of their opening four qualifiers (D3, L1). They currently sit fifth in their six-team group with just three points, leaving their World Cup hopes hanging by a thread.
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The Malian coach will have been fully aware of the magnitude of the challenge before accepting the role, but his level of preparedness remains to be seen.
While we await his first squad selections and tactical approach, there are clear areas he must address if Nigeria are to stand any chance of securing a World Cup berth.
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1. Sort out the defensive shape and personnel
The Super Eagles have experimented with various formations in recent years before eventually settling on a 3-4-3 system. However, a key reason for these tactical adjustments has been to provide greater defensive cover and improve handling of transitions.
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Nigeria’s central defensive pairing of Semi Ajayi and William Troost-Ekong, both over 30, have at times struggled with the pace of transitions. And while the three-man defence helps to mask this vulnerability, it comes at the cost of sacrificing an extra attacking option.
Calvin Bassey is a strong and promising defender, but his eagerness to push forward can sometimes leave gaps at the back. Meanwhile, Gabriel Osho is still new to the squad and has yet to prove he can be the long-term solution.
This defensive setup is a key area Chelle must address if the Super Eagles are to boost their chances of qualifying for the World Cup.
2. Defending setpieces better
The Super Eagles have struggled with defensive organisation from set-pieces in recent years, a vulnerability that opponents have frequently exploited.
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Benin capitalised on this weakness with a cleverly executed corner routine that caught Nigeria off guard, exposing a recurring flaw that could continue to be punished by future opponents.
In high-stakes matches, such lapses can be the difference between securing a crucial result or falling short.
Chelle and his coaching staff must urgently address this issue and implement a sustainable strategy to prevent opposition teams from taking advantage.
3. Profile balance is key in midfield
Complementary profiles are just as important as personnel in every area of the pitch, but nowhere more so than in midfield.
As the engine room of the team, the midfield provides a platform for the attack while also shielding the defence.
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For years, Super Eagles fans have longed for another Jay-Jay Okocha, but having a player like Sunday Oliseh alongside him was just as crucial.
Chelle has several options in midfield, but he must avoid the common pitfall of selecting players based on reputation rather than suitability.
Every system demands specific roles in midfield, and finding the right balance is key to the team’s success.
A well-structured midfield trio, for instance, might feature a ball progressor, a combative enforcer, and a creative playmaker. Whatever approach Chelle chooses, ensuring the profiles complement each other will be essential to the team’s effectiveness.
4. Finding the perfect role for Boniface
The Super Eagles boast an abundance of attacking talent, with several high-profile stars leading the line.
Current CAF Player of the Year Ademola Lookman and his immediate predecessor Victor Osimhen have formed a formidable partnership for the national team, but Victor Boniface has struggled to make a similar impact.
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Despite earning 11 caps, the Bayer Leverkusen forward is yet to find the net for Nigeria. There is no doubt that a firing Boniface would significantly boost the Super Eagles’ prospects in both the World Cup qualifiers and the upcoming Africa Cup of Nations.
Chelle must find a way to unlock the Bundesliga winner’s potential at international level. Whether it requires a tweak in his role or a system that allows him to thrive alongside others in attack, helping Boniface rediscover his club form with Nigeria will be crucial to the team’s success.
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