PREVIEW: Three key tweaks Chelle must make to unleash Eagles against Benin Republic

On Tuesday, the Super Eagles of Nigeria face arguably their biggest match since the last Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) final. The team takes on the Benin Republic at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium in Uyo in a crucial final Group C match of the 2026 World Cup qualifiers.

Third-placed Nigeria, three points behind leaders Benin and one point behind South Africa, must win and hope South Africa fail to get three points against Rwanda. Eric Chelle, the team’s head coach, has the weight of an expectant nation on his shoulders.

Here are three tweaks the French-Malian coach must consider against the Squirrels of Benin:

BENCH CAPTAIN EKONG

William Troost-Ekong is a worthy team leader, but his best years are behind him. His pace has diminished with age, and opponents have significantly profited from the weakness throughout this qualifier.

Although a three-man defence would shield him from the brutal pace and grittiness of Benin’s attackers, such defensive overload would hinder the potency of the Eagles’ attack in a match that the team must win with a comfortable margin.

Hence, Chelle needs to look towards the younger pairing of Benjamin Fredrick and Calvin Bassey in central defence.

PLAY TO OSIMHEN’S STRENGTH

Victor Osimhen is Nigeria’s most potent attacking threat, and his influence is undeniable. The 26-year-old Galatasaray striker’s ability to occupy defenders, score crucial goals, and assist his teammates makes him a vital component of the Super Eagles’ attack.

Osimhen has rediscovered his scoring form for the Super Eagles since his goal drought at the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) in Cote d’Ivoire. Since then, he has not gone three matches without a goal for Nigeria.

With his intensity, skill, and clinical finishing, Osimhen can be the difference-maker against Benin. To maximise his impact, Chelle must field a team and tactics that play to his strengths — pace, movement, and finishing — to exploit Benin’s defence. Given the needed service and freedom, Osimhen could be the catalyst for a Nigerian victory in Uyo.

In a game where the Eagles need loads of goals, it will be essential to feed one of the most lethal strikers currently in global football.

CALM NWABALI TO REGAIN FORM

Stanley Nwabali had an impressive AFCON campaign in 2024, where he kept four consecutive clean sheets, solidifying his position as Nigeria’s first-choice goalkeeper. However, recent performances have been inconsistent, with critical errors costing Nigeria crucial goals.

In his last eight appearances for Nigeria, the 29-year-old has managed just two clean sheets, a trend mirrored in his Chippa United outings this season.

While he continues to showcase his shot-stopping prowess with eye-catching saves, his lapses in concentration and questionable decision-making raise concerns. With Nigeria facing its biggest match in recent years, Nwabali must showcase his AFCON 2024 form to help the Super Eagles to victory.

Should Chelle successfully implement these tweaks ahead of the match, which kicks off at 5 pm, the Eagles are almost assured of executing their quota in the quest to secure an automatic ticket for the 2026 World Cup. The rest is beyond them.

The breakdown of scenarios and permutations that can secure Nigeria an automatic ticket is explained here.