Super Eagles Coach Backs Lookman Despite Club Struggles

Super Eagles of Nigeria’s head coach, Eric Chelle, has defended his decision to start Ademola Lookman in the recent World Cup qualifiers against South Africa and Rwanda, insisting the Atalanta winger remains crucial to the Super Eagles’ tactical plans despite his limited game time at club level.

Ademola Lookman’s selection raised eyebrows among fans and pundits, with many questioning why a player who had not featured in a single competitive match this season was thrown straight into high-stakes international fixtures.

Naija News reports that the 27-year-old forward endured a turbulent summer after Atalanta blocked his proposed €40 million move to Inter Milan.

The fallout left him frustrated, missing pre-season training and eventually sanctioned by the club. His situation worsened under new coach Ivan Juric, who left him sidelined for weeks.

But Chelle stood firm on his choice, praising Lookman’s professionalism and commitment during the international window.

“To those who were surprised, I replied that it was difficult to do without a player of this level, and Lookman was in good shape, that he was training hard, because he is a great professional, very demanding of himself,” Chelle told AfricaFoot.

“I had spoken with him before the gathering, and I knew that I could trust him. Initially, I thought that because of his lack of rhythm, he would only be able to play for about thirty minutes. It is in the best interest of the club and the player that Ademola plays again.”

Lookman finally made a late-season debut in Atalanta’s 3-0 defeat to Torino on September 21, before remaining an unused substitute against Juventus four days later. He is, however, expected to return to action in Tuesday’s Champions League clash with Club Brugge.

Chelle believes the tension between Ademola Lookman and Atalanta is easing.

“Apparently, each is taking a step towards the other, and that’s good news,” the Super Eagles boss said.

“From what I know, Lookman was supposed to leave last summer, but his management refused, which affected him a lot, as I saw during the meeting last September.

“Lookman is a great player, but also a quiet, introverted man who doesn’t let his emotions show. I think his management and coaching staff understood that the team needed him, and Ademola needs to play.”

Note that Lookman, who has 31 caps and eight goals for Nigeria, is contracted to Atalanta until 2027.