Chelle's secret weapon: Why Alebiosu, Uzoho, and Onyedika must start for Super Eagles vs Uganda

Francis Uzoho arrived at training camp before anyone else. Not because he had to, but because he needed to.

For over 365 days, the goalkeeper watched from the sidelines as Nigeria played without him. No call-ups. No explanations. Just silence.

Now, on Tuesday evening, against Uganda, he gets his shot at redemption. And he's not alone.

Coach Eric Chelle must do something bold: bench his superstars and hand the keys to three players most Nigerian fans have barely heard of.

It's a gamble that could either prove the Super Eagles have championship depth or expose them as pretenders.

Uzoho's exile from the national team felt personal. After representing Nigeria at the 2018 World Cup and earning 21 caps, he simply... disappeared from selections after the Eagles failed to qualify for the 2022 FIFA world cup.

"First player to arrive at camp," Pulse Sports reported when he showed up in Morocco. That dedication caught Chelle's attention.

With Stanley Nwabali nursing an ankle problem and one yellow card away from suspension, Uzoho will finally reclaim his gloves in Fez.

One mistake and the critics will say he was right to be dropped. One clean sheet and he rewrites his story completely.

The pressure? Immense. The motivation? Even greater.

Ryan Alebiosu's phone wouldn't stop buzzing when the Super Eagles call-up came through. The 6'2" Blackburn Rovers defender had waited years for this moment, watching other Arsenal academy graduates like Bukayo Saka shine internationally while he rebuilt his career in the Championship.

Now, with Ola Aina unavailable, the Hale End product could get his debut against a desperate Uganda side fighting for tournament survival.

What makes Alebiosu special isn't just his height or technical training, it's his attacking instinct. He doesn't just defend; he creates. Those overlapping runs and dangerous crosses could unlock Uganda's packed defense in ways Nigeria's more cautious options can't.

This isn't just a debut. It's his audition to become the Super Eagles' long-term right-back solution. Give way Bright Osayi-Samuel

Raphael Onyedika is a superstar in Belgium. For Club Brugge, the 24-year-old midfielder is untouchable, the player who dictates tempo, breaks pressing traps, and launches attacks with surgical passes.

For Nigeria? He's been a spectator. Bench warmer extraordinaire.

"He deserves to play," Chelle admitted to reporters, frustration evident in his voice. That public backing suggests Onyedika starts on Tuesday as the midfield anchor, finally getting the chance to show why European clubs are circling.

His job is simple but critical: sit deep, win the ball, and turn defense into attack instantly. If he succeeds, Nigeria suddenly has a world-class option in every position. If he struggles, questions about his international future will only grow louder.

Uganda needs a miracle, a victory and favourable results elsewhere, to advance as one of the best third-placed teams. They'll be desperate, physical, and dangerous.

By starting Alebiosu, Uzoho, and Onyedika, Chelle isn't just managing yellow card risks for Osimhen and Lookman. He's sending a message to every opponent left in the tournament: "We have backups who could start for your first team."

If these three lead Nigeria to a perfect group stage record, the psychological impact ripples across the competition. Suddenly, the Super Eagles aren't just talented, they're deep. Every substitution becomes a threat. Every rotation maintains quality.

But if they falter? If Uganda snatches an upset? Then Chelle's bold experiment becomes a cautionary tale about overthinking comfort.