Super Eagles: Biggest headache Chelle has ahead of AFCON 2027 qualifiers

Nigeria coach Eric Chelle. Copyright: ImagoxToyinxOshodix

The 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers will kick off later this month, and the Super Eagles coach is expected to have started finalizing his list for the first two games of the series, Soccernet.ng reports.

​Nigeria’s first two games of the series are against Madagascar and Guinea-Bissau, and they need to set the tone early by claiming important victories.

​Coach Chelle has a lot of talent at his disposal, and most of the first-team players are fit and doing well at their clubs. So, the Franco-Malian will definitely roll out all the big names.

​However, he might face a major headache while finalizing his squad.

Soccer Super Eagles: Why Chelle Might Have Issues With His AFCON Qualifiers Selection

​Eric Chelle is currently blessed with a lot of talent. In fact, the Super Eagles have one of the best squads on the continent. But this might cause a problem for Chelle.

​The major concentration of talent is actually in the striker’s position. Eric Chelle naturally sets up with two strikers, but he will have to pick three out-and-out strikers in his squad.

​For sure, Victor Osimhen is the bang-on starter, and Adams is usually the supporting striker. But judging by the performances of other strikers, Chelle might actually reconsider.

​First of all, Tolu Arokodare looks to be back in his groove since leaving Wolverhampton Wanderers for Ajax. Arokodare has registered four goals and two assists in six appearances for the Godenzonen.

​He looks like a player who is full of confidence and in good form.

​But he is not the only Nigerian striker who is firing at the moment. Cyriel Dessers appears to be returning to his best. He has scored three goals in his last three games for Panathinaikos.

​Meanwhile, Chelle appears to be a big fan of George Ilenikhena who, after a slow start to life in Saudi Arabia, is now firing on all cylinders. He has contributed three goals in his last four games for Al Ittihad.

There is also the matter of Rafiu Durosinmi, who has contributed four goals in his first four games for Belgian club Genk. He has been simply deadly in front of goal.

🎥⚽ Rafiu Durosinmi with a brilliant header for Genk over the weekend.

His third goal in three games for the club. pic.twitter.com/0K29oMuR2P

— Soar Africa! (@SSE_NGA) August 25, 2026

​With these players doing well at their clubs, Chelle now has to decide whether to add them to his squad or stick with his trusted strikers like Akor Adams, who hasn’t scored in two league games, and Paul Onuachu, who has failed to find the net in four competitive fixtures.

​This will be an important call for the Franco-Malian, as national team managers often stick with their trusted players. But there are occasionally exceptions.

​Whatever he decides, he has to come good because Nigerian football is in a tough period at the moment, and a poor start to the AFCON 2027 qualifiers will only heighten the tension

Kelvin Omachonu

Kelvin Omachonu is a professional football columnist and sports writer with over half a decade of experience covering major events and delivering captivating, analytically-driven stories.
A graduate of the University of Ibadan, he is fueled by a profound dedication to sports journalism and the beautiful game. His insights have previously been featured in respected outlets, including IndyPress UI, UCJ UI Newshive NG, Sportpremi, and a few others.
Away from work, Kelvin is an avid fan of basketball, enjoys a great movie, and is always discovering new music.