Mutiu Adepoju Cautions Chelle Against Tactical Overhaul As Super Eagles Face Rwanda

Former Super Eagles midfielder, Mutiu Adepoju, has advised the team’s new head coach, Eric Chelle, to stick with a familiar tactical setup when the Super Eagles take on Rwanda in the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifier at the Amahoro Stadium this Friday.

Chelle, who was recently appointed head coach, will be making his debut in what is expected to be a high-stakes match. The Super Eagles, three-time African champions, are under pressure to secure maximum points to keep their World Cup qualification dream alive as they currently sit in a disappointing 5th position in Group C.

Adepoju, fondly known as the ‘Headmaster’ during his playing days, emphasized that the coach must utilize a formation the Nigerian team is accustomed to—one that emphasizes play from the wings, which has historically been a strong suit for the nation.

According to Adepoju, introducing a new tactical system against Rwanda could prove risky.

“A system like that will be a little bit strange to the players and the fans as well. What we are used to is playing from the wings, having the ball all the time, and having players that can take it from the wings. It might take time to understand, but it depends on the players,” Adepoju told Afrik-Foot.

Opinion: Why Eric Chelle Should Listen To The ‘Headmaster’

Adepoju’s advice couldn’t be more timely. The Super Eagles’ traditional style of wing play has brought much success over the years, with quick, skillful wingers stretching the opposition’s defense and delivering pinpoint crosses into the box. This system has not only defined Nigeria’s unique football identity but also catered to the strengths of its players.

For a coach like Eric Chelle, who is just settling into his role, implementing a tactical overhaul right away could backfire. There’s a lot at stake, and a conservative approach—leveraging the Super Eagles’ familiar style of wing play—might just be the best way to secure victory in Rwanda.

That being said, innovation and adaptability will be required at some point, but the match against Rwanda is simply not the time to experiment. The Super Eagles need three points, and reverting to a style the players and fans understand could be the key to victory.