Abdullahi Bewene: Who is the Banik Ostrava defender reported in Chelle’s squad, and can he matter in AFCON Group L?

Banik Ostrava’s Abdullahi Bewene is reported to be part of Super Eagles coach Eric Chelle’s squad for the November AFCON 2027 qualifiers against Tanzania, a tie in which Nigeria must finish as Group L’s top non-host side.

Legit.ng reported on 16 October that Chelle will reportedly make three changes, bringing back Victor Osimhen and Kelechi Iheanacho and adding Bewene. The official squad is still to be named.

Sources differ on whether this is a first call-up. Sports247 described a call-up on 15 September as another one, and counted two senior appearances, both friendlies, as of then.

Who is Bewene?

Sports247 lists Bewene as a right-back for Banik Ostrava. Soccernet described him in August as a 21-year-old midfielder who can also play at right-back, in our report on his new five-year Banik deal, which runs to summer 2031.

That report quoted Banik’s head of sports, Ludek Miklosko, who said Bewene had shown very interesting progress and had not reached his ceiling.

“In his case, we are also convinced that he has not yet reached his ceiling.”

Analysis: what Group L asks of Nigeria

Tanzania are co-hosts and already guaranteed a place at the finals, so only the highest-placed non-host side in the group goes through, according to Legit.ng. Citing Sports News Africa, the report has Nigeria second on three points from two games, three behind leaders Guinea-Bissau.

In that race, depth matters as much as headline names. A right-sided player who can cover two positions gives Chelle options if the November window brings injuries or suspensions, which is the usual pressure on a two-legged tie. That is an interpretation, not a claim from the reports. If Osimhen is fit, as reported, the attack has its anchor; the question is the back line and the supply behind him.

For the other Group L picture, see why Nigeria’s AFCON hopes run through Tanzania.

Chelle’s official list is the next thing to watch.