OGUN, Nigeria(VOICE OF NAIJA)- Super Eagles coach Eric Chelle has explained reasons for playing Atalanta forward Ademola Lookman in the recent World Cup qualifiers against South Africa and Rwanda.
Chelle stressed that the winger’s presence was vital to Nigeria’s tactical approach despite limited club action due to off-field issues.
Lookman’s inclusion, however, sparked heavy criticism from sections of fans and pundits, who questioned the call-up of a player yet to log a single minute of competitive football at the time of the international window.
The 27-year-old forward came close to leaving the Europa League winners in the last transfer window, with Inter Milan ready to pay just over €40m for his services. Atalanta blocked the move, sparking Lookman’s frustration and leading to his absence from pre-season training.
The former Fulham and RB Leipzig ace was sanctioned and briefly frozen out of the squad, leaving doubts about his role under new coach Ivan Juric.
Chelle, who gave Lookman two strong outings in Nigeria’s high-stakes World Cup qualifying matches, is convinced that the winger is too important to be sidelined.
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“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 about thirty minutes. It is in the best interest of the club and the player that Ademola plays again.”
Lookman’s brief appearance in Atalanta’s 3-0 defeat to Torino on September 21 was his first of the season. Juric then left him on the bench against Juventus four days later, but the forward is expected to be included in the squad for Tuesday’s Champions League clash with Club Brugge.
However, Chelle believes the situation is softening, insisting both club and player recognise they cannot afford a prolonged standoff.
“Apparently, each is taking a step towards the other, and that’s good news,” Chelle added.
“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.”
Lookman, who has 31 caps and eight goals for Nigeria, remains under contract with Atalanta until 2027. With matches against Club Brugge and Como before Nigeria’s qualifiers against Lesotho and Benin in October, the forward now has a chance to rebuild momentum.