Eric Chelle has taken charge of a Nigerian team that is struggling in the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers, Footynaija.com reports.
With just three points from four games, the Super Eagles are fifth in Group C, and their hopes of qualifying are under serious threat. However, Victor Osimhen’s return is one big boost ahead of the next two matches.
Osimhen, who missed all four qualifiers due to injury, has been in top form for Galatasaray, scoring 26 goals and providing five assists in 30 matches. His return to the squad gives Nigeria a massive attacking threat, but Chelle must get the system right to make the most of him.
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Here is how he can do that.
Play to Osimhen’s Strengths
Osimhen is not the type of striker who waits for the ball to come to him. He is aggressive, makes smart runs, and plays better in swift attacks. At Galatasaray, his goals come from quick movements, direct play, and sharp finishing.
Chelle needs to set up the Super Eagles to attack with speed and purpose, rather than slow build-up. That means getting wingers like Ademola Lookman and Moses Simon to deliver early crosses and through balls.
Lookman, in particular, has the skill to beat defenders and create chances, and his link-up with Osimhen will be key. If Osimhen is isolated up front with no service, he will not be as effective.
Fix the Midfield Issues
One of Nigeria’s biggest problems in the qualifiers has been a weak midfield. The team has struggled to create clear chances, leaving the attack frustrated. Chelle must solve this by picking midfielders who can pass forward, break lines, and support the attack.
Players like Alex Iwobi, Wilfred Ndidi, and Raphael Onyedika could form a strong midfield. Iwobi’s creativity, Ndidi’s defensive stability, and Onyedika’s ability to drive forward could provide the balance Nigeria needs. Without this, even a world-class striker like Osimhen will struggle to score goals.
Choose the Right Formation
Chelle needs to pick a system that suits Osimhen. A 4-3-3 or 4-2-3-1 formation would allow him to lead the line with wingers and an attacking midfielder providing support.
Also, Nigeria must avoid playing too deep; Osimhen is most dangerous when he has space to attack.
Chelle could also consider pairing Osimhen with a second striker, such as Tolu Arokodare, who has been included in the squad. This would give Osimhen more freedom to move, rather than being the only target in the box.
Get Osimhen Fired Up
Osimhen plays with emotion. He is a fighter who thrives on energy and belief. Chelle must motivate him to take charge of the attack. Nigeria’s next matches against Rwanda on March 19 and Zimbabwe afterward are must-win games, and Osimhen’s hunger to score could be the difference.
Nigeria has been poor in the campaign so far, but with Osimhen back, there is still hope. Chelle’s job is simple: Give Osimhen the right support, and let him do what he does best.
