Nigeria go into Tuesday’s game against Jordan in Antalya on the back of a 2-1 win over Iran, and the question facing Eric Chelle now is whether he backs the same group or uses the occasion to give those still waiting for minutes their chance, Footynaija.com reports.
Players like Paul Onuachu, Chidera Ejuke, Fisayo Dele-Bashiru and Raphael Onyedika are all in contention for minutes, while Yira Sor and Philip Otele are still awaiting their senior debuts.
This is a friendly with nothing riding on it beyond fitness, form, and the opportunity to broaden Chelle’s knowledge of his squad ahead of AFCON 2027.
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Handing those players a run-out against Jordan costs nothing and could tell the coaching staff a lot.
Emmanuel Fernandez and Chibuike Nwaiwu, who both made their debuts against Iran, are also pushing for starting roles, and Nwaiwu in particular made a strong enough impression from the bench to deserve more.
With Igoh Ogbu’s fitness uncertain after he was replaced during the Iran game, the Trabzonspor defender may find himself in the starting eleven regardless of selection strategy.
The need for continuity
There is, however, a counter-argument. Nigeria are on an unbeaten run of 19 official matches, and Chelle has overseen a side that is beginning to really understand each other.
Breaking up combinations that worked well against Iran, even in a friendly, carries a small but real risk of disrupting the cohesion Chelle has worked to build. Jordan are organised and dangerous on the counter through the likes of Mousa Al-Tamari, and a Nigeria side filled with players still finding their feet could be exposed.
We are likely to see Okoye, Ndidi and Lookman keep their places, providing the experienced spine the team needs, while changes are made in the positions where Chelle has options. That way, the squad’s depth gets tested without the structure being completely dismantled.
Jordan drew 2-2 with Costa Rica in the opening game of the tournament, throwing away a two-goal lead in the final minutes.
Their coach Jamal Sellami has stressed the importance of this camp as preparation for their maiden World Cup appearance, which means they will not come to Antalya to sit back and absorb.
Nigeria should be ready for a competitive game, rotation or not.
