Super Eagles face midfield crisis ahead of crucial World Cup qualifiers

DDM News

The Super Eagles are facing a major crisis in midfield ahead of the 2026 World Cup qualifiers.

The Super Eagles are Nigeria’s senior national football team, known for their rich history and success in African football.

They have won the Africa Cup of Nations three times (1980, 1994, and 2013) and regularly compete in the FIFA World Cup.

Over the years, the team has produced top talents who have excelled internationally.

According to Diaspora digital media (DDM) Nigeria will play two crucial matches against Rwanda and Zimbabwe next month as they fight for qualification.

Coach Eric Chelle has been dealt a huge blow with injuries to two key midfielders.

Raphael Onyedika and Fisayo Dele-Bashiru are both sidelined due to injuries suffered in recent club matches.

Onyedika was forced off in the 23rd minute of Club Brugge’s 2-1 defeat to Standard Liège.

His Belgian club confirmed his injury but has not yet revealed how long he will be out.

Dele-Bashiru also picked up an ankle injury during Lazio’s goalless draw with Venezia last weekend.

He was substituted in the 41st minute after making 24 successful passes and recording 30 touches.

Initial reports from Italy suggest Dele-Bashiru will miss only two matches for his club.

However, his availability for the Super Eagles’ qualifiers remains uncertain at this time.

These injuries leave Chelle with just four fit midfielders for the upcoming crucial matches.

The available midfielders are Alex Iwobi, Wilfred Ndidi, Frank Onyeka, and Alhassan Yusuf.

Yusuf himself is only just returning from a long-term injury layoff and may not be fully fit.

Dele-Bashiru’s absence a huge loss for the Super Eagles

Dele-Bashiru has become an important creative presence in the Super Eagles’ midfield.

He has been Nigeria’s preferred option in the number 10 role in recent matches.

His performances have helped fill the creative void in the team’s attacking midfield.

Iwobi, who previously played in that role, has been more effective playing on the flanks.

The Fulham midfielder has been in excellent form, recording seven goals and three assists this season.

Dele-Bashiru, on loan from Hatayspor, has contributed five goals and two assists for Lazio this season.

His ability to break down defenses and create chances has been vital for the Eagles.

Missing him for the qualifiers will reduce Nigeria’s attacking creativity in midfield.

Coach Chelle must now find an alternative solution for the number 10 role.

Onyedika’s injury weakens Nigeria’s defensive midfield

Onyedika’s absence is another huge concern for the Super Eagles’ midfield setup.

The Club Brugge midfielder had established himself as Nigeria’s primary defensive midfielder.

He has been a key player for both his club and the national team this season.

Onyedika has made 14 appearances for Nigeria and has scored once for the Eagles.

His ability to break up opposition attacks and protect the defense is crucial.

The timing of his injury is particularly bad given Nigeria’s must-win matches.

Ndidi, who previously played as a defensive midfielder, now plays a more advanced role at Leicester City.

Ndidi started the season strongly, registering four assists in his first ten league games.

However, since returning from injury, he has struggled to regain his best form.

Last weekend, he endured a difficult game in Leicester’s 4-0 defeat to Brentford.

Ndidi played 77 minutes before being substituted as Leicester suffered their sixth consecutive home loss.

With Onyedika out, the Eagles lack a reliable defensive midfielder for the qualifiers.

Joe Aribo and Chrisantus Uche could provide solutions

Coach Chelle may consider recalling Joe Aribo to strengthen the midfield options.

Aribo last played for the Eagles in the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations final.

He came on as a late substitute, playing only four minutes in the match.

Aribo has been performing decently for Southampton in the Premier League this season.

He has scored three goals in 25 appearances for his club.

Despite struggling in an unfamiliar defensive role last weekend, he remains an experienced midfield option.

Another possible solution for the Eagles is Chrisantus Uche of Getafe.

The 21-year-old midfielder has impressed in La Liga this season.

He has played in all of Getafe’s league matches and has been a standout performer.

Uche recently scored his third goal of the season in Getafe’s 2-1 win over Girona.

His performances have attracted interest from top clubs like Real Madrid and Chelsea.

Getafe has reportedly placed a €25 million price tag on him due to his impressive form.

Uche’s ability to carry the ball from box to box makes him a valuable option.

If called up, he could provide fresh energy to the Eagles’ midfield.

Super Eagles must win upcoming matches to stay in the race

The Super Eagles are currently in a difficult position in their qualification group.

After four matches, Nigeria sits in fifth place with just three points.

The team is four points behind group leaders Rwanda, making the upcoming games crucial.

Nigeria will face Rwanda in Kigali on March 17 in a must-win encounter.

A week later, the Eagles will take on Zimbabwe in another vital match.

Failure to win these matches would seriously hurt Nigeria’s World Cup qualification chances.

Chelle and his coaching staff must find a way to secure maximum points.

Beyond March, the Eagles will have four more qualification matches in September and October.

After the World Cup qualifiers, Nigeria will shift focus to the 2025 AFCON tournament.

The Eagles have been drawn into a tough AFCON group with Tunisia, Uganda, and Tanzania.

Chelle faces tough selection decisions

Chelle has a difficult task in selecting his squad for the upcoming qualifiers.

The injuries to Onyedika and Dele-Bashiru have left him with limited options.

He must decide whether to recall experienced players or give opportunities to new faces.

The Super Eagles need a balanced midfield capable of controlling the game and creating chances.

Nigeria cannot afford to drop more points if they want to qualify for the World Cup.

Chelle must also ensure that his available midfielders are fit and ready to perform.

Iwobi, Ndidi, Onyeka, and Yusuf must step up and deliver strong performances.

Aribo and Uche could provide valuable depth if included in the squad.

The Super Eagles’ midfield crisis comes at the worst possible time in the qualification campaign.

Chelle must find solutions quickly to keep Nigeria’s World Cup hopes alive.

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