Eric Chelle faces Super Eagles striker dilemma before AFCON 2027 qualifiers

Nigeria head coach Eric Chelle faces a difficult decision over his attacking options as the Super Eagles prepare to begin their Africa Cup of Nations 2027 qualifying campaign later this month.

Nigeria will open their qualifying programme against Madagascar and Guinea-Bissau, with early victories considered important in setting the tone for the series. Chelle is expected to be finalising his squad for the opening two matches, according to Soccernet.ng.

The Franco-Malian has a strong group of players available to him, with most of Nigeria’s established first-team squad fit and performing well for their clubs. That strength gives Chelle plenty of options, but it also creates a particular problem in the striker position.

Chelle generally prefers to play with two forwards, yet he is expected to select three recognised strikers for the upcoming fixtures. Victor Osimhen remains the clear first-choice starter, while Akor Adams has commonly operated as the supporting striker.

However, the form of several other Nigerian forwards could force Chelle to reconsider his preferred selections.

Tolu Arokodare has found his rhythm since moving from Wolverhampton Wanderers to Ajax. The striker has scored four goals and provided two assists in six appearances for the Godenzonen, suggesting he is playing with renewed confidence.

Arokodare is not the only Nigerian forward making a strong case for inclusion. Cyriel Dessers also appears to be approaching his best form, having scored three goals in his past three matches for Panathinaikos.

Chelle is understood to be a strong admirer of George Ilenikhena. After a slow beginning to his time in Saudi Arabia, Ilenikhena has started to produce consistently and has contributed three goals in his last four games for Al Ittihad.

Rafiu Durosinmi is another contender who has impressed at club level. He has scored four goals in his first four matches for Belgian club Genk and has been highly effective in front of goal.

The form of those players leaves Chelle with a significant selection call. He must decide whether to bring them into the squad or continue to rely on more familiar options, including Akor Adams and Paul Onuachu.

Adams has not scored in his past two league games, while Onuachu has failed to find the net in four competitive fixtures. Their recent lack of goals could give the coach further reason to examine the alternatives available to him.

National-team managers often place their trust in established players, particularly when preparing for important qualifying matches. But Chelle has an unusually competitive group of forwards from which to choose, and the performances of Arokodare, Dessers, Ilenikhena and Durosinmi may make it harder to leave any of them out.

The decision will be an important one for the Franco-Malian. Nigerian football is going through a difficult period, and a poor start against Madagascar and Guinea-Bissau would increase the pressure surrounding the Super Eagles.

Chelle will therefore need to make the right call as he shapes his attack for the opening matches of the AFCON 2027 qualifiers.