Will Raphael Onyedika start against Uganda? Nigeria boss Eric Chelle gives update

Nigeria head coach Eric Chelle has refused to be drawn on whether highly-rated midfielder Raphael Onyedika will finally feature at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations, as the Super Eagles prepare to face Uganda in their final Group C match on Tuesday, Soccernet.ng reports.

Despite entering the tournament as one of Nigeria’s most celebrated midfield exports in Europe, Raphael Onyedika has yet to play a single minute in Morocco. The decision has raised eyebrows among supporters and analysts, especially after Nigeria secured qualification with a game to spare.

Chelle has instead leaned on experience and tactical balance. In Nigeria’s opening match against Tanzania, the Malian tactician selected Wilfred Ndidi and Alex Iwobi in central midfield. The approach worked: the Super Eagles claimed a 2-1 victory, with Iwobi providing two assists in a composed display.

For the second group game against Tunisia, Chelle adjusted his midfield shape, opting for a three-man unit by adding Frank Onyeka to Ndidi and Iwobi. The change delivered even greater control. Nigeria won 3-2, with Ndidi scoring his first goal of the tournament – and the first international goal of his career.

Once again, Raphael Onyedika remained unused, not even emerging from the bench as Chelle rotated his substitutes.

Nigeria now sit comfortably at the top of the group, while Uganda, bottom with just one point, must win to have any chance of progression.

For the Super Eagles, the fixture is effectively a dead rubber, a context that naturally brings squad rotation into focus.

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Raphael Onyedika: Eric Chelle keeps cards close amid rotation talk

At his pre-match press conference, Chelle was asked directly whether players like Onyedika would be given an opportunity to showcase their quality now that qualification is secured.

The Nigeria boss offered a measured response, stressing competition, patience and internal decision-making.

“For the rotation once again, I keep it to myself,” Chelle responded.

“Lots of players, they deserve to play for this team. I make every time some choices. I can tell you they all deserve to play in that team. We have the last training session today. I will work with the teams. After the training session, I will take a decision.”

Raphael Onyedika, known for his calm authority on the ball, excellent passing range, physical strength and intelligent positioning, remains one of the most talked-about absentees in Nigeria’s matchday plans so far.

The Uganda game could also see changes elsewhere. Goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali is nursing an injury and may be rested, with Amas Obasogie and Francis Uzoho available as alternatives.

Several other squad members are still awaiting their AFCON debuts, including Ryan Alebiosu, Igoh Ogbu, Ebenezer Akinsanmiro, Tochukwu Nnadi, and Cyriel Dessers.

Chelle was also asked about the overall atmosphere of the tournament, following comments by South Africa coach Hugo Broos, who suggested the AFCON in Côte d’Ivoire last year had stronger African vibes than the current edition in Morocco.

The Nigeria boss, however, dismissed any distractions.

“About the feeling about the AFCON, this is the best time for focus. We hear nothing. We see nothing. We are only focus on our group and the game. It's very nice for me.”

Nigeria’s game against Uganda will be played at the Fès Stadium, with kick-off slated for 5 pm.