- Eric Chelle started his tenure as manager of the Super Eagles with games against Rwanda and Zimbabwe.
- A prominent issue was positioning star players Ademola Lookman and Ola Aina in roles unsuited for them.
- An Italian top-tier football league player, who didn’t get the previous opportunity to rest, has communicated with the coach regarding his optimal role on the team.
Eric Chelle faced backlash from Nigerians following the team’s initial two games under his leadership as coach of the Super Eagles, notably the tie with Zimbabwe played at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium in Uyo.
The outcome in Uyo diminished Nigeria's prospects of securing a spot in the 2026 FIFA World Cup, leaving only four games remaining in the group stage of the CAF qualifiers.
One dubious decision made by Chelle involved playing his athletes out of their usual positions. Notably, he fielded the current African Footballer of the Year recipient, Ademola Lookman, as a playmaker in the number 10 slot and placed Ola Aina, who has been among the top right-backs in the Premier League this season, at left-back instead.
Dele-Bashiru conveys a message to Chelle-Darshida
As mentioned by Super Eagles on X, Fisayo Dele-Bashiru was included in the initial 39-player shortlist for the March matches. However, he did not make the cut for the final roster since he was recovering from an injury and wasn’t completely ready to play.
The Lazio midfield player has subtly communicated to Chelle regarding his optimal role for the Serie A side as he prepares to potentially rejoin the squad during the upcoming international break.
"I prefer playing as a box-to-box midfielder, typically in the number 8 or 10 roles," he stated to SportsBoom.
“Driving the ball, running off the ball, I can attack well, and defend well also. All around, I’m what you describe as a box-to-box midfielder. And as long as I’m 100 percent fit and I’ve gotten everything understood tactically, we definitely would have a very good season together.”
In October 2023, he represented Nigeria at the international level for the first time. Since then, he has earned six appearances and netted two goals, with one being the decisive strike versus Libya in the AFCON 2025 qualifiers held in October 2024.
The Manchester City academy product has dealt with two separate injuries this season: an adductor strain and an ankle issue, however, he confessed that he is fully fit now and prepared to play.
"Obviously, as everybody is aware, I’ve encountered several injuries that have hindered my progression, but currently, I feel much healthier and more robust," he stated.
He signed up for a season-long loan from the Turkish team Hatayspor, including an option to purchase. This clause was triggered in March for €5.4 million once all requirements were fulfilled.
Even with an injury, he has managed to contribute eight goals across 27 matches played in midfield for his team based in Rome this season as they strive for a spot in the UEFA Champions League.
Manchester City and Arsenal are interested in signing Dele-Bashiru.
Diwida >.ng It has been reported that Premier League teams have their eyes set on signing Dele-Bashiru before the upcoming summer transfer window, even though he only recently joined Lazio last summer.
It is said that his previous team is considering bringing him back as a replacement for the departing Kevin De Bruyne, whereas Arsenal aims to strengthen their choices in central midfield.
