Mixed Fortunes for Super Eagles

After failing to qualify for a second World Cup finals in a row, progressing to the semifinals of AFCON at the beginning of the year renewed optimism surrounding the Super Eagles. Traditionally one of the continent’s powerhouses, missing out on the biggest tournament in world football is not something Nigeria should get used to.

At a time when the organization and governance of the game in the country is looking to be reformed, results on the field of play can go a long way in helping Super Eagles fans get behind their team. The recent international break gave Éric Chelle an opportunity to win over reluctant fans and stamp some authority on the AFCON 2027 qualifying campaign.

There were mixed fortunes in the window, however, with some results upsetting the betting site odds and potentially causing Nigeria some new problems. There were bright spots too, though, and now the Super Eagles must go into the next set of fixtures in November with their eyes firmly on the prize.

Recent Results

With three games scheduled to take place over the course of just 12 days, Éric Chelle signaled early on that he would be calling up a raft of new players in order to rest some senior stars after the two AFCON qualifying games were played. Unfortunately, those elite players were unable to fulfil expectations.

With both AFCON qualifying opponents outside the top 100 in the FIFA rankings, six points were expected, but only three were eventually won. A narrow 2-1 victory over Madagascar was followed up by an embarrassing 3-0 defeat away in Guinea-Bissau. Chelle then revamped the starting eleven for a controversial friendly against Russia, a game that finished in a creditable 3-3 draw.

Coach Stability

After a period of instability where results were not to the level expected of the Super Eagles, the appointment – and continued presence – of Éric Challe has been a positive for the team. With fans critical of the governance of football in the country, being able to rely on a familiar face on the sidelines has been good for the players.

Chelle was appointed as head coach at the beginning of 2025 and has now overseen a number of qualifying rounds and tournaments. Although the World Cup campaign was ultimately unsuccessful, the stability that Chelle brings to the role allows the squad to develop and plan for the future.

Young Players

One aspect of the recent international break, in particular, that will have excited many Super Eagles fans will be Chelle’s desire to bring more young players into the squad. By using what was essentially a “B” team for the Russia game, Chelle blooded a group of new players, offering experience of the international game.

After the disappointment of the loss to Guinea-Bissau, Chelle will have been pleased with the reaction of the five debutants in Nizhny Novogorod. There were only six starters with previous international experience, so a 3-3 draw against a European team is to be applauded, particularly considering the comeback from two goals down.

Squad Depth

The younger players given their chance against Russia will add experience to the squad for the games ahead, but there is also an impressive degree of depth throughout the team now. Nigeria has been blessed with a number of attacking options, but now the defensive unit looks much stronger than before.

Abdullahi Bewene’s three games in the window show that he can provide excellent cover, at the very least, at fullback, while Isaac James might well be in line for the starting position at left back, ahead of Bruno Onyemaechi and Zaidu Sanusi. Brentford’s Benjamin Frederick also looks like providing the central defense with another option.

Attacking Strength

As previously mentioned, the attacking players in Nigeria’s squad cannot really be faulted, but Chelle’s squad refresh during the international break offers more depth in those positions as well. Victor Osimhen, Ademola Lookman, and Samuel Chukwueze should not feel too worried about their places, but there are others knocking at the door.

Kelachi Iheanacho and Akor Adams will be pleased with their goals against Russia, but the arrival of the Umar brothers gives the Super Eagles some added bite. Both Abdullahi and Abubakar came off the bench to make their debuts in Russia, and showed that they will be pushing for more caps as the AFCON campaign goes on.

Next Games

Although there are plenty of plus points for Nigeria after the three games in the break, that loss to Guinea-Bissau is a huge blow. With Tanzania being one of the co-hosts of AFCON 2027, only one other place is open in Nigeria’s group, making every single game incredibly important.

There is no room for error now, and the back-to-back games against Tanzania in November must both be won. Madagascar taking something from its games against Guinea-Bissau would also be beneficial. The Super Eagles could then go into the games next March in charge of their own destiny. It might all come down to the final return game against Guinea-Bissau at home.

Immediate Targets

Although Chelle should not take any opponents lightly, the two games against Tanzania next month are must-wins. Missing out on AFCON for the first time in 10 years is simply unthinkable for Nigeria, and a positive campaign up until that tournament next year will put the Super Eagles in a very good position to win the title for the first time since 2013.

From there, Nigeria can begin to concentrate on qualifying for the next World Cup in Spain, Portugal, and Morocco – and climb the FIFA rankings to become one of the top teams in Africa once again.