Chukwueze Or Usor? Three Questions Chelle Must Answer Before Guinea-Bissau'S Clash

The Super Eagles are already in Bissau, where they will tackle the Djurtus of Guinea-Bissau in the second game of the AFCON 2027 qualifying campaign. 

Eric Chelle’s men, who recorded a hard-fought 2-1 comeback victory over Madagascar in Uyo, will hope to make it two wins from two games on Tuesday. Guinea-Bissau also started the qualification series with a 2-0 away win over Tanzania, leaving both sides with three points ahead of the game. 

With Tanzania already assured of a place as co-hosts, Nigeria, Guinea-Bissau and Madagascar are fighting for just one qualifying spot, which makes every point precious. As he continues his build-up to the encounter, here are three questions Eric Chelle must answer.

1. Chukwueze or Moses Usor?

As predicted in our pre-match analysis, Chukwueze was in Eric Chelle’s XI against the Barea of Madagascar, based on his club form and strong chemistry with the rest of the attackers.

However, the AC Milan winger didn’t live up to expectation during his spell on the pitch. Though he dribbled past his markers and entertained the crowd on multiple occasions, his final decisions let him down. Sometimes his crosses were too high for George Ilenikhena or Akor Adams, while his shots were too tame to trouble the goalkeeper. Though his quality was never in doubt, his performance left Chelle with no option but to substitute him for Usor in the 61st minute.

Unlike Chukwueze, Moses Usor was productive and lively throughout his short spell on the pitch. His solo goal in the 65th minute, just four minutes after coming on, gave the Eagles a much-needed lead. He picked up Semi Ajayi’s pass, beat two defenders and fired a left-footed shot into the bottom corner. His pace and energy also troubled Madagascar’s defence in the closing stages of the encounter.

Considering Usor and Chukwueze’s contrasting displays, Eric Chelle must decide whether to stick with the former Fulham star or give the LASK man his full debut on Tuesday.

2. TheAkor–Ilenikhenapartnership

Not many analysts saw this partnership coming before the game, considering both players had never played together in their careers. Besides, only a few people thought Ilenikhena would make his full debut in such a critical game.

Though Eric Chelle’s decision to start Ilenikhena paid off just before half-time when the Saudi-based striker got the equaliser for Nigeria from Alex Iwobi’s pass, the partnership left so little to be desired, as both players struggled to understand each other.

They rarely created chances for one another, nor did they hold up play for each other. Both strikers played more of an individual game than a team game for a large part of the encounter.

Heading into tomorrow’s game, Chelle will wonder whether to give the partnership another chance or go with a lone striker.

3. 4-3-3 or 4-1-3-2?

Against Madagascar, Chelle lined up in a 4-1-3-2, with Wilfred Ndidi as the lone holding midfielder and Adams and Ilenikhena leading the line. 

The formation gave Nigeria plenty of attacking strength, but the team struggled to break down the Barea’s low block. Madagascar stayed compact, giving Nigeria few gaps to implement their attacking setup. 

The hosts needed a stoppage-time equaliser and an individual moment of quality from a substitute to turn the game around.

A switch to a 4-3-3 could offer a solution against Guinea-Bissau as an extra man in midfield would give Nigeria better control and more passing options, while a single striker supported by two wide forwards would stretch the opposition and create more space to attack. 

It could also give the team a more balanced shape against a side that produced a disciplined team performance in Tanzania.

As already hinted by Eric Chelle, Bissau will require a different approach from the Madagascar game. Hence, it won't be a surprise should he deploy a familiar 4-3-3 or, maybe, 4-4-2 formation.

FinalThought 

With only one qualification place available to the three non-host teams in Group L, a win over a direct rival would put Nigeria in a strong position while defeat would hand Guinea-Bissau a three-point cushion.

Eric Chelle’s must get his tactics right and pick maximum points against the group leaders, whether it is Chukwueze or Usor; the Akor–Ilenikhena pairing or a lone striker. The clash is scheduled for Tuesday, 29 September, at the Estádio Nacional 24 de Setembro, with kick-off at 5pm Nigerian time.