Former Super Eagles midfielder and captain Mutiu Adepoju has advised Nigeria head coach, Eric Chelle, to stick with a familiar formation as the team prepares to face Rwanda in a crucial FIFA World Cup qualifier on Friday.
The Super Eagles are in a difficult position, needing victories in both of their upcoming games to keep their qualification hopes alive. After four matches, Nigeria remains winless, with just three points from a possible 12.
With the clash against Rwanda fast approaching and Chelle working with the squad for the first time, Adepoju opined that it would be unwise to introduce a new tactical approach immediately.
Instead, he suggested leaning into the familiar in the meantime, with an eye to more radical changes down the line.
Adepoju warns: No time to test new formation for Super Eagles
His comments stemmed from Chelle’s preference for a diamond formation, which he used during his time in charge of Mali at the last Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON).
Mali earned praise for their style of play, and there is speculation that Chelle could adopt the same approach with Nigeria.
“A system like that will be a little bit strange to the players and the fans as well,” Adepoju told Afrik-Foot.
“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.”
The veteran of two World Cups stressed the need for the coach’s tactics to align with what the players are comfortable with, at least for the next two games.
“I think the coach just needs to bring something that is favourable for the players and play well in the game we have at hand,” he added.
After facing Rwanda on Friday, the Super Eagles will return to Nigeria to take on Zimbabwe at the Godswill Akpabio Stadium in Uyo next Tuesday.
