Former Super Eagles defender, Sam Sodje has predicted that the Nigerian national team’s new handler, Eric Chelle will not change the squad’s array of defenders’ in his starting line-up for the upcoming 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers.
Sports247 reports that Chelle has included seven first-time invitees and recalled four others in his roster for the games against Rwanda away on March 21st and home versus Zimbabwe in Uyo four days later, but Sodje insists no fresh invitee will feature in the backline.
Sodje, who is one of four brothers that were born in England and played various levels of football, declared: “When it comes to defending and the goalkeeper, you have to be consistent. So, talking about change doesn’t really work with the goalkeeper and defenders. That’s why I don’t think the new coach will change anyone in the defence line.”
Sodje, who played for seven different clubs in England – among which were Brentford, Charlton Athletic, Leeds United and Watford – went on to boldly name players who he believes will start the March 21st game away to the Amavubi of Rwanda.
He theorised, “I think we will have (Stanley) Nwabali in goal and the captain, (William Troost-Ekong) will be there as usual. I’m not sure who will pair with him, but (Ola) Aina is there, and probably (Calvin) Bassey is going to play. I don’t think we’ll see too many changes in defence.”
Sodje concluded by explaining why he believes Chelle will stick with Nigeria’s now familiar back-four, saying it is imperative to keep a basic set of players lining out in the defence in order to maintain proper understanding among the quartet.
“To have a solid defence, you have to have that consistency and maintain the same players who understand themselves. So, I’m looking forward to the same old faces playing the game,” predicted Sam Sodje, who played five matches for the Super Eagles, but only two of them were competitive fixtures.
