Samuel Chukwueze's starting spot in the Super Eagles could be under threat following Eric Chelle’s latest squad decisions, Soccernet.ng reports.
The Nigeria winger has played 58 times for the national team since making his debut against Uganda in Asaba on November 20, 2018. He has scored seven goals, won AFCON silver and bronze medals, and remained a regular face under several coaches. Yet despite his experience and explosive dribbling ability, questions about his consistency and final delivery have never fully disappeared.
Chukwueze first captured Nigerian fans during the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations in Egypt. Then a teenage Villarreal winger, he scored in Nigeria’s 2-1 quarter-final win over South Africa before helping the Super Eagles finish third. His direct running and left-footed style quickly earned comparisons with former Netherlands star Arjen Robben.
But injuries and tactical changes slowed his rise. A serious hamstring injury suffered during his Villarreal days disrupted his momentum before the delayed 2021 AFCON tournament. Although he scored against Sudan in Cameroon, he struggled physically and was often replaced early in matches.
Under José Peseiro, Chukwueze remained heavily involved during the 2023 AFCON campaign that ended with Nigeria losing to Ivory Coast in the final. However, he was frequently rotated with Moses Simon and Kelechi Iheanacho as the coaching crew searched for more balance in attack.
Now, under Chelle, his role has become even less secure. The Malian coach prefers a disciplined 4-4-2 system built on pressing, tracking back, and quick transitions. Chukwueze’s natural game, slowing defenders in one-on-one situations before cutting inside onto his left foot, does not always fit smoothly into that structure.
Super Eagles: Azeez, Yohanna raise pressure on Chukwueze
The arrival of Femi Azeez and Zadok Abu Yohanna for the 2026 Unity Cup in London has created direct competition for Chukwueze’s position.
Azeez earned his first international call-up after a brilliant season with Millwall in the English Championship, producing 11 goals and seven assists in 35 appearances. The 24-year-old helped Millwall reach the promotion play-offs and was named in the Sky Bet Championship Team of the Season.
More importantly for Chelle, Azeez is known for his defensive discipline, relentless pressing, and physical work rate; qualities the coach values strongly in wide players.
Yohanna, meanwhile, is regarded as one of Nigeria’s brightest young attacking prospects. The 18-year-old AIK Solna winger exploded onto the scene in Sweden with fearless dribbling, pace, and creativity that reportedly attracted interest from several European clubs, including Real Madrid.
Even though Yohanna recently suffered a minor hamstring problem during a Stockholm derby against Djurgården, Chelle still included him in the squad. That decision shows how highly the coach rates the teenager’s long-term potential.
The competition now leaves Chukwueze at a crossroads ahead of Nigeria’s Unity Cup semi-final against Zimbabwe at The Valley in London on May 26. The Fulham star has not been named in the squad for the Unity Cup, giving Azeez and possibly Yohanna the chance to impress Chelle.
Chukwueze is scheduled to be a part of the squad for Portugal and Poland games and he could be under serious pressure to perform, especially if Azeez has won hearts days earlier in London.
The winger was already reduced to a substitute role during the 2025 AFCON, where he missed a crucial penalty in the semi-final shootout defeat to Morocco after being introduced late specifically for spot-kicks. A high-performing Azeez could condemn him permanently to the substitute bench, or even run him entirely out of the Super Eagles.
Chelle has repeatedly insisted that reputation alone will not secure places in his squad. Current form, pressing intensity, and tactical discipline matter more.
The coming weeks could define the next stage of Chukwueze's international career. If Azeez and Yohanna impress during the Unity Cup, Nigeria’s long-serving winger may find himself moving from established starter to squad rotation option, or even further down the pecking order.
