Abdullahi Bewene: Four key passes in his first competitive Eagles game

Picture: IMAGO/ TASS

Super Eagles right-back Abdullahi Bewene made his competitive Nigeria launching in the 3-1 win over Tanzania in Uyo, and the 21-year-old Baník Ostrava protector offered Eric Chelle plenty to think of before Tuesday’s return leg in Zanzibar.

Football in Nigeria credited him with one huge opportunity developed and 4 essential hand down Friday, and applauded his composure on the ball and his losing consciousness from the back.

It was his 4th look for the Super Eagles, however the very first that counted for points. His 3 earlier caps all was available in friendlies: a complete 90 minutes on his launching in the 2-2 draw with Poland in Warsaw in June, an alternative look in the 2-1 defeat by Portugal in Lisbon, and the 3-3 draw with Russia in October.

news ‘My very first main competitive match’

Bewene had actually marked the event before kick-off. Talking to Footy-Africa, in remarks brought by Afrik-Foot, he discussed why Uyo indicated more than his earlier caps.

“This is my very first invite where I will be playing in Nigeria for the Super Eagles. All the 3 times I have actually played have actually been abroad.”

“There was Portugal, Poland and Russia, and this is my very first main competitive match for Nigeria,” he included.

His increase has actually fasted. He was initially contacted as a replacement for Femi Azeez, and in August he signed a brand-new agreement at Baník Ostrava going to 2031, after interest from Club Brugge, Gent and Slavia Prague, according to Football in Nigeria. He made 38 looks last season as Baník completed third in the Czech leading flight.

news Analysis: Bewene has actually made the right-back race genuine

Nigeria are not except right-backs. Ola Aina, Bright Osayi-Samuel and Ryan Alebiosu all provide Chelle alternatives on that side, that makes Bewene’s choice for a must-win qualifier a clear indication of trust.

4 crucial passes from full-back is a strong return in a video game the Super Eagles controlled, with 67.8% of belongings and 17 shots. It recommends Chelle desired width and shipment from that flank, and Afrik-Foot singled out his link-up with alternative Moses Usor as one of the motivating threads of the 2nd half.

The protective photo is less clear. Nigeria have actually yielded in all 3 of their AFCON 2027 qualifiers, and a return leg far from home might lure Chelle towards experience. If the coach keeps faith with Bewene in Zanzibar, it would mark him out as more than a stand-in for the senior names in this month’s team.

Bewene turns 22 on 29 November. A 2nd competitive cap in Zanzibar on Tuesday, with a lot riding on the Group L outcome, would be a strong tip about who Chelle views as his right-back for March.