Nigeria vs Zimbabwe: Chukwueze, Osayi-Samuel out from likely XI as Eric Chelle rings Super Eagles changes – READ WHY
They say there is no need to change a winning team, but Super Eagles manager Eric Chelle is expected to make a few changes to the Nigeria team that defeated Rwanda when they take on Zimbabwe on Tuesday.
The Super Eagles will hope to continue the revival of their 2026 World Cup hopes when they take on the Warriors in another 2026 World Cup qualifier at the Godswill Akpabio Stadium in Uyo.
A brace from Victor Osimhen against the Amavubis at the Amahoro Stadium on Friday evening gave the three-time African champions their first win of the qualifying campaign in what was also Chelle’s first game in charge.
The win gave Nigerians a glimpse of what to expect from Chelle tactically. The former Malian coach started with a 4-4-2 diamond formation, which was his main style while in charge of Mali. But in the latter parts of the game, Chelle also showed his tactical fluidity by switching to a traditional 4-3-3.
However, while the 47-year-old would have been satisfied to start his campaign with a win, his immediate attention will turn to the Zimbabwe game as the Super Eagles have no room to rest after failing to win a single game from their first four games of the campaign.
Although the Super Eagles are the overwhelming favourites going into that game on Tuesday, Chelle will be looking for an improved performance and could make a few changes to the side that beat Rwanda.
With that said, we take a look at how Chelle might set up the Super Eagles against Zimbabwe on Tuesday. The Ivorian-born Malian is expected to stick with his 4-4-2 diamond shape but there could be a few changes in personnel.
The Super Eagles will hope to continue the revival of their 2026 World Cup hopes when they take on the Warriors in another 2026 World Cup qualifier at the Godswill Akpabio Stadium in Uyo.
A brace from Victor Osimhen against the Amavubis at the Amahoro Stadium on Friday evening gave the three-time African champions their first win of the qualifying campaign in what was also Chelle’s first game in charge.
The win gave Nigerians a glimpse of what to expect from Chelle tactically. The former Malian coach started with a 4-4-2 diamond formation, which was his main style while in charge of Mali. But in the latter parts of the game, Chelle also showed his tactical fluidity by switching to a traditional 4-3-3.
However, while the 47-year-old would have been satisfied to start his campaign with a win, his immediate attention will turn to the Zimbabwe game as the Super Eagles have no room to rest after failing to win a single game from their first four games of the campaign.
Although the Super Eagles are the overwhelming favourites going into that game on Tuesday, Chelle will be looking for an improved performance and could make a few changes to the side that beat Rwanda.
With that said, we take a look at how Chelle might set up the Super Eagles against Zimbabwe on Tuesday. The Ivorian-born Malian is expected to stick with his 4-4-2 diamond shape but there could be a few changes in personnel.
Goalkeeper- Stanley Nwabali
Barring any injury, Nwabali is expected to keep his place in goal as there is no reason to change him. The Chippa United goalkeeper had a fairly comfortable evening against Rwanda and will hope for the same against Zimbabwe.
Defenders- William Troost-Ekong, Calvin Bassey, Ola Aina, Bruno Onyemaechi
Chelle is also expected to stick with the same backline that featured against Rwanda but could be forced to bring in Onyemaechi for Bright Osayi-Samuel.
Osayi-Samuel was the right-back against the Amavubis but appeared to pick up a knock late in the game, going off for the Olympiacos left-back.
Should the Fenerbahce fail a late fitness test, Onyemaechi will come in, meaning Aina will slot in at his natural right-back role.
Midfielders- Alex Iwobi, Wilfred Ndidi, Raphael Onyedika, Ademola Lookman
Given how a few players struggled to interpret their roles against Rwanda, it will not be surprising if Chelle decides to make a small tactical switch in the middle.
Chukwueze started in an unfamiliar central midfield role on Friday, but the AC Milan star struggled as he operates better as a winger.
Chukwueze is a player who thrives on space but could not find that in a crowded midfield. For this reason, the former Villarreal star could drop to the bench for Onyedika, who is a midfielder.
Should Onyedika come in, he is more likely to operate as the defensive midfielder, allowing Ndidi to play in an advanced role, most likely slotting in for Chukwueze.
Iwobi is still expected to be the second central midfielder, with Lookman playing behind the two strikers.
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