With Nigeria sitting precariously in fifth place in Group C, head coach Eric Chelle faces a critical challenge ahead of March’s 2026 World Cup qualifiers against Rwanda and Zimbabwe. To revive the Super Eagles’ struggling campaign, Chelle is eyeing some new but familiar faces in the midfield. Three players have emerged as strong contenders: Joe Aribo, Christantus Uche, and Ibrahim Olawoyin.
Joe Aribo (Southampton)
After a spell of inconsistency at Southampton, Aribo has rediscovered his form and is making a case for a national team return. With three goals in 23 league matches, his recent improvement is crucial as Southampton push for promotion. His creativity and goal-scoring abilities could provide the spark Nigeria’s midfield currently lacks.
Christantus Uche (Getafe)
The 24-year-old midfielder has been in top form for Getafe in La Liga, contributing two goals and two assists this season. His versatility in both offensive and defensive midfield roles makes him a valuable asset. Uche’s consistent performances have established him as a standout in a team battling relegation, making him a logical choice for the Super Eagles’ squad.
Ibrahim Olawoyin (Rizespor)
Currently thriving in Turkey’s Super Lig, Olawoyin’s playmaking skills have earned him six assists and two goals in 21 appearances this season. Having risen through Nigeria’s domestic league before moving to Europe, the 27-year-old is proving to be a reliable creative force, which could be instrumental in solving Nigeria’s midfield woes.
If selected, these three midfielders could provide the energy, balance, and creativity the Super Eagles need to rejuvenate their qualification chances.
Editorial
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Nigeria’s World Cup qualification hopes hang by a thread, and drastic action is required to avoid an early exit. The midfield, often described as the “engine room” of a team, has lacked the drive, creativity, and consistency needed to dominate opponents. We believe the inclusion of Joe Aribo, Christantus Uche, and Ibrahim Olawoyin could be the game-changer for Nigeria’s campaign.
The call for Aribo’s return is timely. His ability to link up with attackers, maintain possession, and score goals offers a solution to the current lack of incisiveness in the final third. Likewise, Uche’s ability to play multiple roles provides tactical flexibility—a trait Chelle’s side needs, especially when opponents try to overwhelm the midfield. His defensive diligence and attacking bursts could be crucial in tough games.
Olawoyin, on the other hand, offers what Nigeria has been missing an unpredictable creative playmaker. His vision and technical prowess can create goal-scoring opportunities, something the Super Eagles have struggled with in recent fixtures. His performance in Turkey suggests he is ready to handle the pressure of international football.
We urge Chelle to embrace these selections, recognising that success is not about sticking to past choices but about adapting to the present. The midfield has the potential to evolve from being a weak link into a strength. But this transformation hinges on players like Aribo, Uche, and Olawoyin stepping up when it matters most.
Without bold changes, Nigeria risks missing out on the World Cup. Let this selection be the first step towards a turnaround that could reinvigorate the Super Eagles and restore the team’s identity as one of Africa’s powerhouses.
Did You Know?
- Joe Aribo was part of the Nigerian squad that reached the 2021 AFCON Round of 16, where he played a pivotal midfield role.
- Christantus Uche began his youth career at Barcelona’s La Masia Academy before making his way to professional football in Spain.
- Ibrahim Olawoyin won the Nigeria Professional Football League NPFL Best Midfielder award in 2021 before moving to Europe.
- The Super Eagles last missed World Cup qualification in 2006 but have been a regular participant since 1994.
- Nigeria’s midfield woes in the current qualifiers have contributed to a low goal tally of just three goals in four games.
