Former Super Eagles midfielder Mutiu Adepoju has advised newly appointed head coach Eric Chelle to stick to familiar tactical setups as Nigeria prepares to face Rwanda.
The Malian tactician is gearing up for his debut match in charge of the 2013 AFCON winners, who are in dire need of a victory to strengthen their bid for a spot in the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
As the crucial qualifier approaches, Adepoju, a former Real Sociedad star, expressed concerns about deviating from Nigeria’s well-established playing style, which has been integral to the team’s success over the years.
He warned Chelle against introducing an unfamiliar tactical system when Nigeria takes on Rwanda, emphasizing the potential difficulties such a change could create.
“A formation like that would be unusual for both the players and the fans,” Adepoju remarked in an interview with Afrik-Foot.
The ex-Real Madrid B midfielder stressed that altering Nigeria’s traditional wing play could disrupt the team’s rhythm.
Further elaborating, he urged Chelle to design strategies that capitalize on the Super Eagles’ strengths instead of implementing an approach that may require extensive time to perfect.
“Our strength has always been in wing play, maintaining possession, and utilizing players who can drive the ball forward from the flanks. It might take a while to adapt to a new setup, but ultimately, it depends on the squad,” Adepoju added.
Nigeria’s upcoming clash against Rwanda will be held at Amahoro Stadium, the East African nation’s largest venue, with a seating capacity of 45,508. The Super Eagles last played there in September 2024, settling for a goalless draw.
