2026 WCQ: Ideye Urges Chelle to Fix Osimhen’s Strike Partnership Before Benin Showdown

Story: written okafor joseph October 13,2025

Former Super Eagles forward Brown Ideye has advised Nigeria’s head coach, Eric Chelle, to urgently address a key issue in the team’s attack ahead of Tuesday’s 2026 World Cup qualifier against Benin Republic.

Speaking during a post-match analysis on SuperSport, following Nigeria’s 2–1 win over Lesotho, Ideye noted that Chelle’s biggest challenge is finding the ideal attacking partner for Victor Osimhen.

The ex-West Bromwich Albion striker explained that the chemistry between Osimhen and his strike partners is still a work in progress.

“Osimhen definitely needs a player who complements his style,” Ideye said. “From what I saw, Tolu Arokodare struggled to connect with him in the first half, but when Akor Adams came on, their link-up play improved, leading to the second goal.”

Ideye emphasized that identifying the right attacking balance will be crucial if the Super Eagles hope to secure maximum points against Gernot Rohr’s Benin side.

Chelle is expected to make tactical adjustments as Nigeria seeks to keep their qualification hopes alive and strengthen their bid for a place at the 2026 FIFA World Cup in North America