With qualification already secured, Nigeria coach Eric Chelle may hand AFCON debuts to several fringe players against Uganda to protect key starters from potential suspensions and injury risks.
Super Eagles head coach Eric Chelle is considering significant changes to his starting lineup for Tuesday’s final Group C encounter against Uganda.
Having already secured qualification for the Africa Cup of Nations knockout stages with wins over Tanzania and Tunisia, Nigeria aims to clinch the top spot in the group.
Chelle currently has ten players in his 28-man squad awaiting their tournament debuts, including promising talents Ebenezer Akinsanmiro, Ryan Alebiosu, and Tochukwu Nnadi.
Selection pressure is heightened by injury concerns and a looming disciplinary crisis.
Marquee striker Victor Osimhen is being monitored following a knock, while goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali and midfielder Frank Onyeka also face fitness tests.
Crucially, four regular starters—Osimhen, Nwabali, Ademola Lookman, and Semi Ajayi—are one booking away from a suspension.
Resting these key figures could provide a vital opportunity for fringe players to prove their worth before the high-stakes round of 16 begins.
During a pre-match press conference in Fez, Chelle remained elusive regarding his final tactical approach.
Asked if fans would see fresh faces in the XI, he replied: “Yes or no, maybe, and we will see. We have a last training session, we will prepare for this game tomorrow.”
He added that he might reconsider the team’s “philosophy” or “system” once the final assessment of the squad’s physical condition is completed on the eve of the match.