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Nigeria: Five things Eric Chelle got right and wrong against Rwanda ahead of Zimbabwe clash

2 days ago
by naijaonpoint
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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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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