Nigeria coach Eric Chelle will look to bury the ghosts of his team’s inability to qualify for the FIFA 2026 World Cup as he leads his charges in the Africa Cup of Nations starting in December.
The Super Eagles lost 4-3 on penalties in the final game of the African playoffs to the Democratic Republic of Congo and will now seek to salvage some pride by going all the way to lift the AFCON title.
In a matter of days, the provisional list of the players picked to represent the country at the biennial event will be released, with a few new names expected to pop up on the list.
Footy-Africa.com looks at four players who will potentially be the dark horses that will slip into the provisional squad.
Rafiu Durosinmi (Viktoria Plzeň)
The attack has been a worrisome aspect of the Super Eagles, with the team heavily relying on Victor Osimhen for goals.
The Galatasaray striker has scored four of Nigeria’s last ten goals to cement his place as the main man in attack, but Chelle will need an able support cast.
This is where Rafiu Durosinmi comes in.
The burly forward has scored five goals in 15 games in the Czech top flight, while he has also scored twice in the Europa League after five games. Even though the likes of Tolu Arokodare and Akor Adams have deputised for Osimhen, Durosinmi’s profile will tempt Chelle to add him to the provisional squad.
Gabriel Osho (Cardiff City)
Eric Chelle will look to sort out the right-back area, which has been problematic for him since the injury to regular first choice Ola Aina.
In Ola’s absence, Benjamin Frederick held firm and Bright Osayi-Samuel also deputised, but Chelle, who is not sure of Aina’s availability for the AFCON, will have to spread his tentacles in order to sort this out.
Cardiff City defender Gabriel Osho will be a veritable option for the coach, as he might be a dark horse to return to the team.
He started the Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers against Benin and Rwanda last year and has not been involved since then.
The 27-year-old might just be a dark horse as the AFCON approaches.
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Benjamin Tanimu (Maghreb de Fès)
The former Bendel Insurance captain Benjamin Tanimu has been involved with the squad in the last few years but has not been called up under Chelle.
Big, strong and with great aerial ability, he might get another look-in with the unavailability of Benjamin Frederick due to injury.
Now at Moroccan side Maghreb de Fès, he has already made three appearances for Nigeria and might just be in with a shout to make the provisional list.
The 23-year-old can be a capable back-up defender in the team as Chelle prepares to make his announcement.
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Paul Onuachu (Trabzonspor)
The towering striker, left out of the squad for almost a year and a half, has been one of Nigeria’s best strikers this season and has been lighting up Turkey with his club.
Blessed with good height, a strong physical presence and an eye for spectacular goals, Paul Onuachu might just sneak in and make the provisional squad.
He has scored nine goals in the league this season, outscoring his much-celebrated compatriot Victor Osimhen.
With Chelle looking for alternatives to shore up the attack, Onuachu might just get a look-in as the team gets set for the AFCON.
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Nathan Tella (Bayer Leverkusen)
The English-born winger has been in and out of the Super Eagles since making his debut in 2023 in a 1-1 draw with Zimbabwe in a World Cup qualifier.
Nathan Tella has been inconsistent in the Super Eagles, with his last appearance for the team in a Unity Cup win over Jamaica.
Even though he’s been hampered by injuries, he has made four appearances for Bayer Leverkusen this season and has dropped two assists.
His direct running and pace can be an asset to Eric Chelle as he tinkers with the makeup of his squad for the AFCON.
