Super Eagles head coach Éric Chelle has moved to reassure fans regarding Nigeria’s defensive stability following the loss of three key figures ahead of today’s 2025 AFCON opener against Tanzania. Speaking at the pre-match press conference in Fès on Monday, the former Mali international insisted he is “not worried” about the reshuffle required in his backline.
The Super Eagles are navigating the tournament without the 2023 AFCON Player of the Tournament and former captain William Troost-Ekong (retired), as well as the injured duo of Ola Aina (hamstring) and Benjamin Fredrick (knee).
“No, I’m not worried. I trust my players,” Chelle told reporters. “Of course, I’d prefer these guys to be here, but now I’m with my squad, and I trust them so much. We have a strong defense; we’ve worked a lot on it. When you want to defend, it’s not only about the defenders; it’s about all the players on the pitch.”
Reshuffling the “Wall of Nigeria”
To counter these absences, Chelle has integrated new faces and shifted responsibilities within his 28-man final squad:
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The “Heir” Appointed: With Benjamin Fredrick sidelined for the entire tournament, Slavia Prague’s Igoh Ogbu is expected to step into the starting XI alongside Calvin Bassey.
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Full-back Cover: In the absence of Ola Aina, Bright Osayi-Samuel (Birmingham City) and the uncapped Ryan Alebiosu (Blackburn Rovers) will battle for the right-back slot.
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Collective Responsibility: Chelle emphasized a “total football” defensive philosophy, noting that strikers like Victor Osimhen and Ademola Lookman are expected to press from the front to alleviate pressure on the new-look back four.
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