Chelle could ring a few changes against Rwanda as several players may be match rusty

SUPER Eagles head coach Eric Chelle is expected to make a few changes to his team for Saturday's World cup qualifier against Rwanda as he will be forced to take into account the fact that some players have not seen any action so far this season.

Over the coming week, the Super Eagles play two must-win games against Rwanda at home and away to South Africa, with no margin for error at all. Currently camped in Uyo, the Akwa Ibom State capital, the squad has been training rigorously all week but some players may miss out on selection because they have not seen action at all since the start of the current season.

For instance, current African Player of the Year Ademola Lookman has not seen action since the end of the 2024/25 season on May 25 because he has been embroiled in a messy transfer saga. His club Atalanta has not used him at all since the start of the season, meaning he will not be match fit and thus unlikely to start against Rwanda.

Although the season is only about three weeks old in most European leagues, players who have not seen any action yet would find it hard to cope with a high octane World Cup qualifier. Several Nigerian players have been heavily involved in the recently-shut transfer window, so, it is expected that it will affect their form and subsequently coach Chelle's team selection for the two games.

In goal, Stanley Nwabali is expected to retain his starting shirt despite initial fears after  he sustained an injury days before the squad list was published. Nwabali has since been passed fit and even played for his club Chippa United last weekend.

In defence Nottingham Forest rightback Ola Aina is expected to retain his starting shirt, with skipper William Troost-Ekong also keeping his place in the heart of the defence. However, there may be a switch alongside Troost-Ekong with Benjamin Fredrick partnering him and Calvin Bassey moving over to left back, to give some solidity.

Fredrick was impressive at the Unity Cup, and Chelle likes him apparently. Also, due to injuries at his club Fulham, Bassey has played as a leftback on a few occasions this season and has equipped himself well there.

In midfield, Wilfred Ndidi will likely maintain his place in the base of the midfield, supported by Uche Christantus and Alex Iwobi. This will mean the team plays a 4-3-3 formation, with Victor Osimhen at the centre of the attacks, supported out wide by two wingers, most likely to be Simon Moses and Samuel Chukwueze.

Possible line-up: Nwabali; Ola Aina, Benjamin Fredrick, William Troost-Ekong, Calvin Bassey; Wilfred Ndidi, Alex Iwobi, Christantus Uche; Samuel Chukwueze, Moses Simon, Victor Osimhen.