In spite of Ademola Lookman’s limited playing experience at the club level, Super Eagles of Nigeria head coach Eric Chelle has justified his choice to start the Atalanta winger in the team’s recent World Cup qualifying matches against South Africa and Rwanda, stating that the player is still essential to the Super Eagles’ tactical plans.
Fans and commentators were taken aback by Ademola Lookman’s selection, with many wondering why a player who hadn’t played in any competitive games this season was thrust into crucial international matches.
The 27-year-old attacker reportedly had a difficult summer after Atalanta thwarted his planned €40 million transfer to Inter Milan.
He was irritated by the consequences, missed preseason practice, and was ultimately disciplined by the team. Ivan Juric, the new coach, made matters worse for him and kept him out of action for weeks.
Chelle, however, defended his decision and commended Lookman’s dedication and professionalism throughout the international window.
In response to those who expressed astonishment, Chelle told AfricaFoot, “I told them that it was hard to function without a player of this caliber and that Lookman was in good shape and that he was training hard because he is a great professional, very demanding of himself.”
“I felt I could trust him because we had a conversation prior to the event. At first, I assumed he would only be able to perform for thirty minutes or so due to his lack of rhythm. Ademola should play again for the benefit of both the team and the player.
On September 21, Lookman made his late-season debut in Atalanta’s 3-0 loss to Torino. Four days later, he was not used as a substitute against Juventus. However, he is anticipated to play again in Tuesday’s Champions League matchup against Club Brugge.
Chelle thinks that Ademola Lookman and Atalanta are becoming less tense.
“It appears that both are moving in the same direction, which is encouraging,” the Super Eagles manager stated.
“From what I understand, Lookman was set to depart last summer, but his management turned him down, which had a significant impact on him, as I witnessed at the meeting last September.
In addition to being an excellent player, Lookman is a reserved, quiet man who keeps his feelings to himself. I believe that his coaching staff and management saw that Ademola must play and that the squad needed him.
Keep in mind that Lookman, who has eight goals and 31 caps for Nigeria, has a 2027 contract with Atalanta.
