Abdullahi Bewene strengthens Nigeria’s right-back options after competitive debut

Abdullahi Bewene made his first competitive appearance for Nigeria as the Super Eagles beat Tanzania 3-1 in Uyo, giving manager Eric Chelle another option to consider before Tuesday’s return leg in Zanzibar.

The 21-year-old Banik Ostrava defender was credited with one big chance created and four key passes by Football in Nigeria. His performance was also praised for his composure in possession and his ability to help Nigeria build attacks from defence.

Although the match was Bewene’s fourth appearance for the Super Eagles, it was his first in a fixture carrying points. His previous three caps came in friendlies: he played the full 90 minutes in a 2-2 draw with Poland in Warsaw in June, came on during the 2-1 defeat by Portugal in Lisbon, and featured in October’s 3-3 draw with Russia.

A rapid rise

Before the match in Uyo, Bewene described it as his “first official competitive match” in comments to Footy-Africa, which were carried by Afrik-Foot. The occasion therefore carried greater significance than his previous international appearances.

His progress at international and club level has been swift. Bewene was initially called up as a replacement for Femi Azeez before extending his Banik Ostrava contract in August until 2031. Football in Nigeria reported that Club Brugge, Gent and Slavia Prague had shown interest in him.

He made 38 appearances last season as Banik Ostrava finished third in the Czech top flight.

Nigeria already have several established choices at right-back, with Ola Aina, Bright Osayi-Samuel and Ryan Alebiosu also available to Chelle. Selecting Bewene for an important qualifier suggests the manager has considerable confidence in him.

His attacking contribution was particularly notable in a match Nigeria controlled. The Super Eagles had 67.8% possession and registered 17 shots, while Bewene’s four key passes represented a significant return from a full-back.

Afrik-Foot also highlighted his combination with substitute Moses Usor as one of the positive features of Nigeria’s second-half performance. Bewene’s involvement indicated that Chelle wanted his right-back to provide width and quality delivery from that side.

The defensive assessment is more complicated. Nigeria have conceded in each of their three AFCON 2027 qualifiers, and the demands of an away match could lead Chelle to favour greater experience in Zanzibar.

Should Bewene retain his place, however, he would begin to look like more than a temporary replacement for the senior defenders included in this month’s squad.

He turns 22 on 29 November. A second competitive appearance on Tuesday, in a match with significant consequences for the Group L standings, would offer a strong indication of whether Chelle regards him as Nigeria’s preferred right-back for March.