AFCON 2025
Eric Chelle’s sole responsibility is to qualify the Super Eagles for the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Consequently, the French-Malian manager is expected to pick the players who are not just regulars in the national team but also in good form for their respective club sides currently.
The Super Eagles are already in a bad place after a poor start to the qualification series. With just three points from their opening four matches against Rwanda, Zimbabwe, South Africa, and Benin Republic, the three-time African Champions risk missing out on the tournament again.
Wilfred Ndidi’s return from injury is a big boost for the team as Eric Chelle looks to field in the best legs ahead of the face-off against Rwanda and Zimbabwe. Alex Iwobi, Frank Onyeka, and Fisayo Dele-Bashiru have been impressive this season for their respective teams and will be part of the invited players for the two matches.
However, other Nigerian midfielders have been decent and could offer the team some dynamism as the Super Eagles look to get their World Cup qualification back on track.
This post examines three midfielders who, given their qualities, could offer Eric Chelle something different in offense, defense, or both.
1. Chrisantus Uche
The clamor for his inclusion in the national team continues to gain momentum. The Getafe midfielder has been very impressive for the Spanish La Liga outfit this season and he is arguably their best player.
Uche is a box-to-box midfielder with the ability to progress the ball from the deep. He also has good vision and can join the attack in transition.
Chrisantus Uche is strong on the ball and quite tall. his height could be of great advantage in set-piece situations for the Super Eagles.
The 21-year-old is a regular in Jose Bordalas Jimenez’s 4-4-2 setup. The midfielder has also been deployed as a second striker in some matches for Getafe which is a testament to his versatility and tactical adaptability.
2. Ibrahim Olawoyin
Olawoyin is not a stranger to the Super Eagles. He was invited by former coach George Finidi during the qualifiers against South Africa and Benin Republic in June 2023.
The Nigeria Premier Football League export is an attacking midfielder and has been in good form for Rizespor in the Turkish Super League this season.
Olawoyin has two goals and four assists for Rizespor in 19 matches in the league so far. The attacking midfielder recorded eight goals and three assists in 36 league matches for Rizespor season.
The dribbling skills and attacking prowess of the former Enugu Rangers midfielder could help the Super Eagles break down difficult opposition during the qualifiers.
3. Joe Aribo
After a difficult start to life at the Saint Marys, Joe Aribo is gradually getting back to what fans witnessed when he was at Glasgow Rangers.
The attacking midfielder in recent weeks has been putting out commendable performances for Southampton in the Premier League even though the Saints remain in the relegation zone.
Aribo is not also a stranger to the national team but has been out of the setup for a while. He is lanky but has a good balance and shields the ball quite well.
The 28-year-old has good vision and can run into half spaces to get a chance at goal or create for others. Aribo has been getting regular minutes in recent weeks and has three goals in 23 Premier League appearances for the Saints so far.
Joe Aribo, given his experience with the national team, could help Eric Chelle with his skillset when push comes to shove.
The average Super Eagles fan just wants the Super Eagles to qualify for the 2026 FIFA World Cup having missed out on the previous edition in Qatar. Whoever Eric Chelle invites, the sole concern is to win the games against Rwanda and Zimbabwe for a start and secure the ticket to the biggest event in the world at the end of the year.
