Related Post
Eric Chelle’s tenure as Nigeria’s head coach began with a vital 2-0 win over Rwanda in their 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifier at the Amahoro Stadium.
It was a night of relief and renewed hope for the Super Eagles, who desperately needed a response after a poor start to the campaign.
Victor Osimhen stole the headlines, scoring both goals in the first half to put Nigeria in control. The win lifted the team off the bottom of Group C, keeping their qualification hopes alive. But while the victory was crucial, the performance itself left plenty to dissect.
Chelle’s tactical tweaks played a role in securing three points, but there were still worrying signs in his first outing.
Here’s Footynaija’s in-depth look at three things he got right — and two he must improve before Nigeria face Zimbabwe in Uyo.
Three things Eric Chelle got right:
Trusting Osimhen to deliver
No matter how Nigeria line up, one thing is clear: Osimhen is the team’s biggest weapon.
Chelle made the right call in building his attack around the Galatasaray forward, who responded with two expertly taken goals.
⚽️⚽️ Osimhen.@victorosimhen9 | #FIFAWorldCup pic.twitter.com/b8XbdTOe06
— FIFA World Cup (@FIFAWorldCup) March 21, 2025
His first came from a well-worked Ademola Lookman free-kick, pouncing on a loose ball to finish with authority. His second was pure brilliance — robbing a defender before chipping the goalkeeper just before half-time.
Beyond the goals, Osimhen’s relentless pressing and hold-up play kept Rwanda’s defence under pressure. His presence alone transformed Nigeria’s attacking potency, proving why he must remain the focal point.
A smarter approach to set-pieces
Under previous managers, Nigeria often lacked structure and creativity in dead-ball situations. Chelle, however, had clearly worked on this area, and it paid off.
Ademola Lookman with the pass
— (@CFCfrancisco) March 21, 2025
Victor Osimhen with the finish
Let’s go!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! pic.twitter.com/3DGkurP6Mf
From corners to free-kicks, the Super Eagles consistently found free men, keeping Rwanda’s defence unsettled. Lookman’s deliveries were pinpoint, while Osimhen’s movement in the box made him a constant threat. Even captain William Troost-Ekong had two chances to get on the scoresheet. It was a refreshing change and a crucial factor in the win.
Restoring defensive stability
Nigeria had looked shaky at the back in previous qualifiers, conceding cheap goals due to poor organisation. Chelle took steps to fix this, and the results were encouraging.
The backline, marshalled by William Troost-Ekong and Calvin Bassey, remained compact and disciplined. The full-backs were instructed to limit their forward runs, ensuring Nigeria wasn’t exposed in transition. Rwanda rarely created clear-cut chances, showing that Chelle’s defensive adjustments worked.
SUPER EAGLES LAST 20-MINS AGAINST RWANDA
— 9JAPLAYERS (@9jaPlayersNews) March 22, 2025
S. Nwabali (GK)
O. Samuel
W. Ekong
C. Bassey
B. Onyemaechi
A. Yusuf
W. Ndidi
R. Onyedika
A. Iwobi
T. Arokodare
A. Lookman
Eric Chelle transitioned from 4-1-3-2 in attack to 4-3-1-2 in defense with Midfield of three natural DMs pic.twitter.com/J4Sdnk26BO
Two things Chelle must improve before Zimbabwe :
Midfield imbalance
Nigeria’s midfield lacked fluidity, with long gaps appearing between defence and attack. Chelle’s choice of a 4-4-2 variation often left the centre isolated, making it difficult to control possession.
#SuperEagles Team News in
— Super Eagles (@NGSuperEagles) March 21, 2025
⚪️
Ekong Bassey man the rear
⚡️ Ndidi, Iwobi in the middle
Lookman, Osimhen lead attack line #SoarSuperEagles #RWANGA pic.twitter.com/gBOT961lgP
Wilfred Ndidi and Alex Iwobi struggled to impose themselves, and with no natural playmaker in the lineup, transitions were slow.
Against better teams, this disconnect could prove costly. A midfield trio involving Ndidi, Iwobi, and Raphael Onyedika might offer better balance in future games.
Samuel Chukwueze’s misuse
Chukwueze is a direct winger who thrives when running at defenders, but Chelle deployed him in a deeper midfield role, which limited his impact.
The AC Milan man struggled with positioning and was often caught in no man’s land, unable to influence play.
His tendency to drift inside created congestion in central areas, making Nigeria’s attack predictable. The former Villarreal star was credited with the assist to Osimhen’s second goal, though.
Going forward, Chukwueze should either be played in his natural wide role or used as an inside forward rather than being forced into an unnatural midfield position.
A step forward, but work to do
Chelle’s first game in charge brought much-needed optimism, but it also highlighted areas needing improvement.
The reliance on Osimhen’s brilliance, the set-piece efficiency, and the defensive structure were clear positives. However, the midfield imbalance and misuse of key players remain concerns.
With Zimbabwe up next in Uyo, Chelle must refine his tactics while maintaining momentum. A win there could truly kickstart Nigeria’s qualification push — but only if the lessons from this game are learned.
