Eric Chelle Names Super Eagles’ Best Striker After Tanzania Win, Snubs Osimhen and Akor Adams

According to a report by Daily Post on Saturday November 14, 2026, Super Eagles head coach Eric Chelle has identified Tolu Arokodare as potentially the best striker in Nigeria’s squad when it comes to attacking crosses into the penalty area following the forward’s impressive performance against Tanzania.

Arokodare was the standout performer as Nigeria defeated the Taifa Stars 3-1 in their 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying encounter at the Godswill Akpabio Stadium in Uyo on Friday.

The 25-year-old came off the bench at half-time and scored twice in the second half to help the Super Eagles secure all three points after a difficult opening period.

His performance has attracted considerable attention, particularly following Chelle’s comments about the qualities that make the Ajax forward such a dangerous player inside the penalty area.

The Nigerian side had taken an early lead through Alhassan Yusuf in the second minute, but Tanzania responded through Alphonce Masanga to make it 1-1 before the interval.

Chelle subsequently decided to introduce Arokodare at the start of the second half, replacing Yusuf as he attempted to change his team’s attacking approach.

The decision proved decisive, with the striker restoring Nigeria’s advantage in the 52nd minute before scoring again eight minutes later to complete his brace.

Speaking after the match, Chelle explained that Arokodare’s physical attributes influenced his decision to change the team’s formation and adopt a more direct style of play.

According to the Franco-Malian coach, the striker’s height and physical presence make him particularly effective when Nigeria deliver crosses into the opposition penalty area.

“You know Tolu can run but he is very tall, so to make a high pressure, sometimes he can do it but sometimes it can be difficult for him,” Chelle explained.

The Super Eagles coach revealed that his team moved towards a flatter 4-4-2 formation in the second half, allowing them to attack more directly and create opportunities from the wide areas.

“After that when we play 4-4-2 flat, our game is more direct. Like we did in the second half, our game was more direct,” he added.

Chelle further explained how Nigeria attempted to take advantage of Arokodare’s strengths by using the flanks to create crossing opportunities.

“We pass by the side to make a one-on-one to have a cross and Tolu his strength is in the box,” the coach said.

The tactical adjustment worked perfectly as Arokodare used his physical presence and finishing ability to punish Tanzania’s defence.

Following the final whistle, Chelle went further in his assessment of the striker, suggesting that he could be the best forward in the Super Eagles squad when the ball is delivered into the penalty area.

“When you put the ball inside the box, maybe actually he is the best striker. He did well and I am happy for him but once again we have a second game,” Chelle said.

The comments are particularly interesting considering the attacking options available to Nigeria, including Victor Osimhen and Akor Adams.

Osimhen has established himself as one of the Super Eagles’ most important players, while Adams has also been involved in Chelle’s attacking plans.

However, Arokodare’s performance against Tanzania has demonstrated that Nigeria have another forward capable of making a significant difference.

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