AFCON qualifiers: Why Ademola Lookman failed to perform against Madagascar – Chelle

Super Eagles coach, Eric Chelle has explained why Atletico Madrid star, Ademola Lookman failed to perform in Nigeria’s 2-1 win over Madagascar in a 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying match on Friday evening.

The former African Footballer of the Year proved unable to make a meaningful impact on the match, prompting Chelle to substitute him with Tolu Arokodare with twenty-one minutes remaining.

Chelle implemented a 4-4-2 formation at the beginning of the match before transitioning to a 4-2-3-1 configuration as play developed.

Lookman was tasked with operating in the spaces between the lines and creating opportunities; however, the coach noted that the Super Eagles required utilize the flanks to create space against their opponents before attempting to penetrate from the middle.

“We played between the lines and they have to feel when they have to go from the side and when they have to go inside,” Chelle explained during his post-match press conference.

“Once you are playing against a low block, you have to pass by the side, go to the left, go to the right, and after three or four times you can find a pass inside, like Alex did every time.

“This is the game project. Sometimes we play this kind of team, they know, they analyse you, so we have to find a solution.

“This is difficult because I’m not on the pitch and sometimes the players have to find a solution by themselves.”

The Super Eagles came back from 1-0 down to secure the win with debutant George Ilenikhena scoring his first international goal, followed by Moses Usor also netting in his debut appearance.