AFCON Qualifiers: Why Ademola Lookman Failed To Perform Against Madagascar – Chelle

Super Eagles head coach Eric Chelle has explained why Atletico Madrid forward Ademola Lookman struggled to make an impact in Nigeria’s 2-1 victory over Madagascar in their 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifier on Friday.

Lookman was unable to influence the game significantly before he was substituted for Tolu Arokodare with 21 minutes remaining.

Chelle started the match with a 4-4-2 formation before switching to a 4-2-3-1 system as the game progressed, with Lookman operating between the lines to help create attacking opportunities.

However, Chelle explained that Nigeria needed to use the flanks more effectively against Madagascar’s defensive setup before trying to play through 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.”

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Chelle added that the players must sometimes find solutions themselves during matches because the coach cannot directly influence every situation from the touchline. Nigeria eventually came from behind to win 2-1, with debutants George Ilenikhena and Moses Usor scoring their first international goals.