Abdullahi Bewene: Banik Ostrava defender linked with Nigeria squad for AFCON qualifiers

Banik Ostrava defender Abdullahi Bewene has reportedly been included in Eric Chelle’s Nigeria squad for the November Africa Cup of Nations 2027 qualifiers against Tanzania.

Nigeria must finish as the highest-placed non-host team in Group L to qualify, with Tanzania already assured of a place at the finals as co-hosts.

Legit.ng reported on 16 October that Chelle was expected to make three changes to his squad. The report said Victor Osimhen and Kelechi Iheanacho would return, while Bewene would receive a call-up.

However, the report is not an official squad announcement. No confirmed list had been published in the sources checked.

There is also disagreement over whether this would be Bewene’s first senior international call-up. Sports247 described his selection on 15 September as another call-up and said he had made two senior appearances by that point. Both of those appearances were in friendly matches.

Who is Abdullahi Bewene?

Sports247 identifies Bewene as a right-back for Banik Ostrava. Soccernet, however, described him in August as a 21-year-old midfielder who is also capable of playing at right-back.

The report followed confirmation of his new five-year contract with Banik Ostrava, which runs until the summer of 2031.

Banik’s head of sports, Ludek Miklosko, was quoted as saying Bewene had made “very interesting progress” and still had not reached his ceiling.

That versatility could be useful to Chelle if Bewene is included in the final squad. A player able to operate in midfield and at right-back would provide an additional option on the right side of the team, particularly during a demanding qualifying window.

That is an assessment of his potential value rather than a claim made in the reports. The official squad list will determine whether he is involved and what role Chelle intends to give him.

Nigeria’s Group L challenge

According to Legit.ng, Tanzania’s co-host status means the other teams are competing for a single qualifying place. Only the group’s highest-ranked non-host nation will progress to the finals.

Citing Sports News Africa, the report placed Nigeria second in Group L with three points from two matches. They were three points behind leaders Guinea-Bissau.

That situation increases the importance of squad depth as Nigeria prepares for the November fixtures. Injuries and suspensions can affect a two-legged qualifying tie, making players who can cover more than one position valuable.

If the reported return of Osimhen is confirmed and he is fit, Nigeria would have an established attacking focal point. The main questions would then concern the defensive options and the supply available behind him.

Chelle’s official squad announcement is the next key development.