The Super Eagles will soon commence preparations for their upcoming 2026 World Cup qualifying games against Rwanda and Zimbabwe later this month, Footynaija.com reports.
Ahead of these games, new Super Eagles head coach Eric Chelle has selected a 23-man squad to help him secure two much-needed victories and get his reign in charge of the Nigeria national team off to a spectacular start.
With the array of stars at his disposal, the former Mali boss will need to utilize a tactical set-up that will maximize the immense talent pool in his squad. In this article, Footynaija.com takes a look at three formations that Chelle could implement and the best players suited for each system.
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3. 4-3-3 – High-pressing and attack-minded
The 4-3-3 facilitates an exciting brand of modern attacking football, allowing for quick transitions and width in attack. Chelle could use this system to take advantage of Nigeria’s electric wingers and powerful strikers.
Best XI for 4-3-3:
Goalkeeper: Stanley Nwabali
Defense: Ola Aina (RB), William Ekong (CB), Calvin Bassey (CB), Bruno Onyemaechi (LB)
Midfield: Wilfred Ndidi (DM), Alex Iwobi (CM), Raphael Onyedika (CM)
Attack: Samuel Chukwueze (RW), Victor Osimhen (CF), Ademola Lookman (LW)
In this set-up, Ndidi will serve as the defensive anchor in midfield, while Onyedika provides box-to-box energy. Iwobi, functioning as an advanced playmaker will link midfield to attack while Chukwueze and Lookman stretch the opposition, creating space for Osimhen to exploit.
2. 3-5-2 – Balance and compactness
The 3-5-2 formation allows for defensive strength while ensuring numbers in the middle of the park as well as a lethal strike partnership up front.
Best XI for 3-5-2:
Goalkeeper: Stanley Nwabali
Defense: William Ekong (CB), Igoh Ogbu (CB), Calvin Bassey (CB)
Midfield: Ola Aina (RWB), Wilfred Ndidi (CM), Alex Iwobi (CM), Joseph Aribo (CM), Bruno Onyemaechi (LWB)
Attack: Victor Osimhen, Ademola Lookman
This system would allow Aina and Onyemaechi to provide attacking width, while a midfield trio of Ndidi, Iwobi and Aribo ensures both defensive cover and creativity from the middle. The strike partnership of Osimhen and Lookman could prove devastating, with both players capable of holding up play and finishing chances.
1. 4-2-3-1 – Balance and fluidity
A 4-2-3-1 formation offers a balance between defense and attack, allowing for structured buildup play and adequate defensive cover.
Best XI for 4-2-3-1:
Goalkeeper: Stanley Nwabali
Defense: Ola Aina (RB), William Ekong (CB), Jordan Torunarigha (CB), Bruno Onyemaechi (LB)
Midfield: Wilfred Ndidi (DM), Raphael Onyedika (DM)
Attack: Samuel Chukwueze (RW), Alex Iwobi (CAM), Ademola Lookman (LW)
Striker: Victor Osimhen
With a double pivot of Ndidi and Onyedika shielding the backline, Iwobi can operate in a free role behind Osimhen, providing that creative spark. Lookman and Chukwueze will offer width and goal-scoring threats, creating a well-balanced tactical approach.
How will Eric Chelle set-up
Heading into the games against Rwanda and Zimbabwe, the Super Eagles tactical set-up will depend largely on the philosophy of head coach Eric Chelle as well as the tactical approach of the opponents.
However the Super Eagles boss decides to set up his team, one clear fact is that Nigeria possesses enough talents and personnel to thrive under the stewardship of the Franco-Malian manager.
