Chelle explains Lookman’s quiet AFCON qualifier outing vs Madagascar
Chelle explained that Ademola Lookman failed to make an impact in Nigeria’s 2-1 win over Madagascar in Friday evening’s 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifier, leading to his substitution with Tolu Arokodare with twenty‑one minutes left. The Super Eagles began with a 4‑4‑2 formation before shifting to a 4‑2‑3‑1, tasking Lookman to operate between the lines and create chances, but Chelle said the team needed to use the flanks first to open space before attempting central passes against Madagascar’s low block.
Lookman, the former African Footballer of the Year now at Atlético Madrid, completed the match without a shot on target or a key pass, prompting Chelle to note that players sometimes must find solutions themselves when the coach is not on the pitch. Debutants George Ilenikhena and Moses Usor scored the goals that secured the comeback victory.
The result keeps Nigeria’s AFCON 2027 qualifying campaign alive, but Lookman’s quiet outing raises questions about his fit in a system that prioritizes wide play before penetrating the middle. With the next qualifier months away, should Chelle retain Lookman as a starter, give Arokodare more minutes, or tweak the formation to better suit the winger’s strengths?