Mutiu Adepoju Warns New Coach Eric Chelle Against Tactical Experiments Ahead of Crucial Rwanda Clash

Former Super Eagles midfielder Mutiu Adepoju has urged newly appointed head coach Eric Chelle to avoid experimenting with unfamiliar formations as Nigeria prepares for a must-win 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifier against Rwanda on [*insert date*]. The three-time African champions, currently lagging in their qualification group, face mounting pressure to secure victory and revive their hopes of reaching the global tournament.
 
Adepoju, a member of Nigeria’s iconic 1994 AFCON-winning squad and former Real Sociedad midfielder, emphasized the risks of abandoning the team’s traditional wing-based style. Speaking to *Afrik-Foot*, he cautioned: “A system like that will be a little bit strange to the players and the fans as well. What we are used to is playing from the wings, having the ball all the time, and utilizing players who can dominate those areas.”

The Malian coach, Chelle, is set to oversee his debut match since taking charge of the Super Eagles, who are winless in their last three competitive games. Adepoju stressed that introducing complex tactics could backfire, stating: “It might take time for players to adapt to a new system, and we don’t have that luxury in a must-win game. Stick to what works.”

Nigeria currently sits fourth in Group C of the African World Cup qualifiers, trailing leaders Rwanda, South Africa, Benin Republic. A defeat or draw in Kigali would severely dent their chances of automatic qualification. The Super Eagles last faced Rwanda at Kigali’s 45,508-capacity Amahoro Stadium in September 2023, playing out a goalless draw—a result they cannot afford to repeat. 

*Key Details:*
*Match Venue:* Amahoro Stadium, Kigali (Rwanda’s largest stadium). 

*Nigeria’s Legacy:* The 2013 Africa Cup of Nations champions have qualified for six World Cups but missed the 2022 edition. 

*Coach Chelle’s Challenge:* The Malian tactician faces immediate pressure to deliver results while balancing tactical innovation with the team’s established strengths. 

Adepoju, who also featured for Real Madrid’s reserve team during his career, reiterated: “This isn’t the time for experiments. Rwanda will exploit any uncertainty. We need clarity, confidence, and to play to our DNA: speed, width, and dominance.”