Rwanda vs Nigeria: Five things to watch out for in Chelle’s first game as Nigeria coach

Nigeria’s 2026 FIFA World Cup qualification campaign has been a rocky one, with the Super Eagles currently sitting fifth in Group C, Footynaija.com reports. 

With three draws and one defeat in four games, their qualification hopes are in jeopardy. However, a fresh chapter begins under new head coach Eric Chelle, who takes charge for the first time in a must-win clash against group leaders Rwanda on Friday, March 21.

In this article, Footynaija.com highlights five key things to watch out for in Chelle’s debut game.

5. Chelle’s tactical approach

Eric Chelle’s attacking and tactically adaptable style of play saw him impress as head coach of Mali, recording a 57% win rate during his time in charge of the one-time AFCON hosts.

His preferred formation is a 4-3-1-2 diamond, designed to dominate the middle of the park and enhance fluidity upfront. This system relies on full-backs for width while two strikers lead the frontline, a setup that could complement Nigeria’s strong attacking firepower.

Chelle is also comfortable shifting between 4-4-2, 4-3-3 and 4-2-3-1 based on the opposition. Whether he sticks to his usual approach or adapts to Nigeria’s strengths remains to be seen.

4. A new face in goal?

Stanley Nwabali has been a steady presence in goal for the Super Eagles since making his debut back in 2021, but with a new coach at the helm, we may get to see a shaking up of things between the sticks. 

Chelle has also called up Amas Obasogie of Singida Black Stars and Kayode Bankole of Remo stars to complete the goalkeeping department. Could the Franco-Malian boss hand one of these two their first Super Eagles appearances against Rwanda?

3. How will Chelle set up his defence?

The Super Eagles’ defence has been inconsistent throughout the qualifiers, conceding crucial goals in previous games. 

With William Troost-Ekong leading the backline alongside potential pairing options like Calvin Bassey, Jordan Torunarigha, and Igoh Ogbu, Chelle must find the right combination to neutralize Rwanda’s attacking threat. 

His utilization of full-backs like Ola Aina and Bruno Onyemaechi will also be crucial, as the Super Eagles need both defensive solidity and attacking width.

2. Nigeria’s midfield composition

In recent games, Nigeria’s midfield has looked disjointed and out of ideas. Leicester City’s Wilfred Ndidi alongside Raphael Onyedika will be key in shielding the defence.

Meanwhile, Alex Iwobi, a crucial piece of Chelle’s potential midfield diamond, may be charged with the responsibility of being the Super Eagles’ orchestrator-in-chief. 

Chelle’s ability to get the midfield functioning smoothly could determine Nigeria’s effectiveness in possession and chance creation.

5. Chelle’s attacking combination 

The Super Eagles head into this tie with a wealth of attacking talent, including Victor Osimhen, Ademola Lookman, Samuel Chukwueze, Victor Boniface, Simon Moses, Tolu Arokodare, and Umar Sadiq.

Osimhen is Nigeria’s most lethal striker and his magnificent form for Galatasaray this season unarguably makes him Chelle’s best choice to lead the attack against Rwanda. 

With the likes of Lookman, Arokodare and Sadiq also enjoying great form at the moment, one of Chelle’s main headaches will be how best to combine his enviable attacking firepower for optimum results.

Expectations are high

This game marks a crucial juncture in Nigeria’s World Cup qualification campaign. Chelle’s debut comes with immense pressure, but a victory against Rwanda could reignite the Super Eagles’ chances. 

Fans will be eager to see how he sets up the team and whether his tactical tweaks can bring immediate success. A positive result is non-negotiable, and all eyes will be on how Nigeria performs in this high-stakes encounter.