Don’t test new formation – Former Al-Ittihad midfielder warns Chelle ahead of Rwanda clash

Former Super Eagles midfielder Mutiu Adepoju has urged new head coach Eric Chelle, not to experiment with unfamiliar formations ahead of their clash against Rwanda, Soccernet.ng reports.

The Malian gaffer is set to take charge of his first game as head coach of the 2013 Africa Cup of Nations champions, who are in desperate need of all three points to keep their 2026 World Cup qualification hopes alive.

Ahead of the must-win encounter, Mutiu, a former Al-Ittihad midfielder, voiced concerns about straying from Nigeria’s traditional style of play, which the team is accustomed to.

What Adepoju Said Ahead of Rwanda Clash

Adepoju has cautioned Chelle against introducing a new tactical setup when Nigeria faces Rwanda in their 2026 World Cup qualifier.

The former Real Madrid B player believes shifting away from Nigeria’s traditional wing play could unsettle the team.

“A system like that will be a little bit strange to the players and the fans as well,” Adepoju told Afrik-Foot.

Speaking further, he advised Chelle to focus on tactics that suit the Super Eagles’ strengths rather than experimenting with a formation that could take time to master.

“What we are used to is playing from the wings, having the ball all the time, and having players that can take it from the wings. It might take time to understand, but it depends on the players.”

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When and Where Will Super Eagles Tackle Rwanda?

The Super Eagles are currently in Kigali for a crucial AFCON qualifying clash against Rwanda, set to kick off at 5:00 PM Nigerian time this Friday.

The match will take place at the Amahoro Stadium, Rwanda’s largest stadium with a capacity of 45,508, where Nigeria last played to a goalless draw in September 2024.