Onyedika doubtful for Super Eagles’ World Cup qualifiers: Three midfield options Chelle could rely on

Super Eagles of Nigeria have been dealt an early setback ahead of their 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers after midfielder Raphael Onyedika was forced off in Club Brugge’s 5-5 draw with Westerlo.

The 24-year-old was substituted in the 16th minute with what is suspected to be a hamstring injury. This has left his club and country anxious about his fitness.

Although, there has not been an official statement from the club yet, multiple reports suggest that Onyedika wlll be out for six weeks.

INJURY NEWS FOR SUPER EAGLES PLAYERS;

– Fisayo Dele-Bashiru sidelined for about a month with a thigh strain.
– Raphael Onyedika ruled out for six weeks with a hamstring injury.

They might miss the crucial WCQ games.

— POOJA!!! (@PoojaMedia) September 26, 2025

His absence would be a significant blow for Eric Chelle’s Super Eagles, having grown into an important part of Nigeria’s setup.

The Brugge star is now considered doubtful for the crucial qualifiers against Lesotho and Benin Republic, with medical tests set to determine the extent of the damage.

In his absence, Chelle will have to look at alternatives to anchor the Super Eagles' midfield ahead of the World Cup qualifiers.

Here are three options the Super Eagles boss could rely on

1. Wilfred Ndidi

Ndidi remains Nigeria’s most experienced defensive midfielder, and Onyedika is seen as a backup for him. But without the Club Brugge midfielder, Ndidi will always stand solid at the center of the park.

The ability of the Besikas' player to break up play and protect the backline will be vital against tricky opponents in the World Cup qualifiers.

Chelle could even consider pairing him with a more mobile midfielder to balance defensive cover with forward drive.

2. Frank Onyeka

Brentford’s Frank Onyeka is another reliable option the Malian gaffer can consider. The Super Eagles have turned to him in the past when Ndidi was unavailable, and he has shown he can deliver in competitive matches.

Onyeka is more of a box-to-box midfielder, and he combines this with defensive solidity with bursts forward, and could provide the energy and pressing needed to unsettle opposition midfielders.

While not as specialised defensively as Ndidi, he is a valuable addition to Chelle’s setup.

3. Alhassan Yusuf

With eight appearances in the Super Eagles' green and white colours, Yusuf can still be said to be relatively new to the senior national team.

When given a chance, the 25-year-old impresses with his ball-winning ability and stamina. This also makes him a strong contender for more minutes if Onyedika is ruled out.

Although he lacks the big-game experience of Ndidi and Onyeka, Yusuf can still thrive under the guidance of Chelle.

The Super Eagles will be hoping Onyedika’s scans return positive news, but Chelle’s alternatives mean Nigeria’s midfield engine room can still function effectively.