Nigeria’s disappointing 3-0 defeat to Guinea-Bissau and subsequent 3-3 draw against Russia have raised fresh questions about Eric Chelle’s team selection ahead of the Super Eagles’ November fixtures.
While the comeback against Russia demonstrated Nigeria’s attacking resilience, the preceding defeat to Guinea-Bissau exposed weaknesses that the coaching staff must address as the team prepares for its next Africa Cup of Nations qualifying matches.
The contrasting results have also intensified competition for places, particularly as several players used the international window to demonstrate their potential.
Kelechi Iheanacho scored against Russia, while Peter Edokpolor and Akor Adams contributed to Nigeria’s comeback after the Super Eagles fell behind 3-1. Their performances provided Chelle with additional options and reinforced the argument that selection should depend on current performance rather than reputation alone.
Against this background, Bright Osayi-Samuel, Isaac James, Taiwo Awoniyi, Ademola Lookman and Moses Simon are among the players whose positions could come under scrutiny ahead of November.
However, the situation differs from one player to another, and there is no official confirmation that any of the five will be excluded from the next squad.
Bright Osayi-Samuel is one of the players facing questions following Nigeria’s defeat to Guinea-Bissau. The Birmingham City defender featured throughout the match, and his performance attracted criticism as the Super Eagles struggled to contain the opposition’s attacking movements.
The right-back was particularly exposed during phases leading to Guinea-Bissau’s second and third goals, raising concerns about Nigeria’s defensive organisation and ability to deal with pace in wide areas.
Osayi-Samuel remains an experienced international defender, and his regular involvement at Birmingham City provides a strong argument for retaining him. However, international experience alone cannot guarantee selection if the coaching staff identify alternatives capable of offering greater defensive security.
Abdullahi Bewene provided an encouraging contribution against Russia, assisting Iheanacho’s opening goal. Ryan Alebiosu is another defender whose club performances could strengthen his case for further opportunities.
Osayi-Samuel’s position is therefore worth monitoring, although a single disappointing international performance would not automatically justify removing him from the squad.
Isaac James is another player whose international future will depend on how he develops and responds to the demands of senior football.
James was included in Chelle’s September squad for the opening AFCON 2027 qualifiers and subsequently featured against Russia. His involvement reflects the coach’s willingness to assess additional options rather than rely exclusively on established internationals.
His performance against Russia included some encouraging moments on the ball, but questions were also raised about his decision-making and positional discipline. Those areas will require attention if he hopes to establish himself as a regular member of the national team.
Competition within Nigeria’s defensive group remains considerable, with established players and emerging alternatives all seeking opportunities. James must demonstrate that he can combine his technical ability with consistent decision-making and an understanding of his defensive responsibilities.
Nevertheless, it would be premature to conclude that he has lost Chelle’s confidence. Young players often require several international appearances to adjust to the pace, pressure and tactical demands of senior football.
For James, continued development at club level and improved performances when selected will be important in determining whether he remains part of the coach’s plans.
Taiwo Awoniyi faces a different challenge as Nigeria assess their options in attack.
The Coventry City forward received opportunities during the September international window but struggled to make a decisive impact. He played 22 minutes against Madagascar before starting the subsequent match against Guinea-Bissau, where he was substituted at half-time.
His limited contribution during those appearances has increased the pressure on him to deliver more consistently, particularly with competition for the central striking position.
Victor Osimhen’s fitness is an important factor in this discussion. The Galatasaray striker was absent from the September fixtures, creating an opportunity for other forwards to demonstrate their suitability for the role.
If Osimhen returns to full fitness, Awoniyi could face a more difficult route to regular playing time. Paul Onuachu, Tolu Arokodare, Akor Adams and Kelechi Iheanacho also provide Chelle with different attacking options.
Awoniyi’s club form will consequently matter. His ability to hold up the ball, compete physically with defenders and create space for teammates remains valuable, but Nigeria also need forwards who can convert opportunities and contribute consistently in the final third.
The striker has previously demonstrated his capacity to score at a high level, so his recent international difficulties should not be treated as proof that he can no longer contribute to the national team.
Instead, the coming weeks will provide an opportunity for him to strengthen his position through improved performances and greater attacking productivity.
Ademola Lookman is another established player whose recent performances have attracted scrutiny.
The 2024 African Footballer of the Year remains one of Nigeria’s most accomplished attacking players, but his displays during the September international window did not consistently produce the decisive moments expected from him.
Lookman struggled to make a substantial impact against Madagascar and Guinea-Bissau, with concerns raised about his ball control, passing and effectiveness around the opposition’s penalty area.
Those performances have prompted questions about whether his place in the starting lineup should remain automatic.
However, there is an important distinction between losing a starting position and being excluded from the squad altogether. Lookman’s experience, technical ability and capacity to create chances continue to make him a valuable option for Nigeria.
The more immediate question is whether he can rediscover the form that established him as one of the continent’s leading players.
Competition from emerging attackers could also influence Chelle’s decisions. Moses Usor has already demonstrated his ability to contribute, while Edokpolor’s goal against Russia provided another reason for the coaching staff to assess their attacking alternatives.
If these players maintain their progress, Lookman may have to compete more directly for his position rather than rely on his reputation.
That does not necessarily mean he should be dropped. Instead, the coach must determine how best to use his qualities while ensuring that the team receives consistent contributions from its attacking players.
Moses Simon completes the list of players whose positions could face increased scrutiny.
The experienced winger reached 100 appearances for Nigeria during the match against Madagascar, an important milestone that underlined his longstanding contribution to the Super Eagles.
However, his current situation at Paris FC has raised questions about his match rhythm and attacking productivity. Limited playing time can make it difficult for any player to maintain peak performance, particularly when competing at international level.
Simon also struggled to make a decisive contribution against Russia before being replaced by Edokpolor in the second half.
The younger attacker subsequently scored, giving Chelle another option to consider as he assesses the team’s wide attacking positions.
Nevertheless, Simon’s experience should not be dismissed. He has represented Nigeria in major competitions and understands the demands of international football. His ability to provide width, carry the ball forward and support teammates remains useful when he is performing well.
The challenge is whether he can secure more regular minutes at club level and translate that involvement into productive performances for Nigeria.
Chelle must also consider the value of experience in a team seeking to improve its results. Replacing established players simply because younger alternatives have impressed in one match would be premature, just as retaining them regardless of their form would limit competition.
Nigeria’s November fixtures against Tanzania will provide an important test of the team’s progress. The Super Eagles are seeking to recover from the damaging defeat to Guinea-Bissau and strengthen their position in the qualification campaign.
The 3-3 draw against Russia offered encouragement, particularly because Nigeria recovered from a two-goal deficit to secure a result. However, the comeback also highlighted the need for greater consistency across an entire match.
For Osayi-Samuel, James, Awoniyi, Lookman and Simon, the period before the next international window will be important. Their performances at club level, fitness and ability to address weaknesses exposed during the recent fixtures could influence their chances of selection.
Ultimately, Chelle’s responsibility is to assemble a squad capable of delivering results rather than simply reward reputation or react to one disappointing performance.
Whether the five players retain their places will depend on the coach’s assessment, their subsequent performances and the availability of alternative options.
For now, they remain players under scrutiny rather than confirmed casualties of an impending squad overhaul.
