5 things Ademola Lookman revealed about Eric Chelle’s Super Eagles revolution

Ademola Lookman talks through early life under Eric Chelle in the Super Eagles.

5 things Ademola Lookman revealed about Eric Chelle’s Super Eagles revolution

Izuchukwu Akawor • Izuchukwu Akawor • 07:28 - 20.03.2025

African Player of the Year Ademola Lookman spoke to the media about life under Eric Chelle in the Super Eagles after two training sessions ahead of the decisive 2026 WCQ.

Ademola Lookman, the current CAF Player of the Year, is back with Nigeria’s Super Eagles in Kigali and he’s buzzing about new coach Eric Chelle’s impact. 

With World Cup qualifiers against Rwanda and Zimbabwe looming, Lookman’s sizzling form (13 goals, five assists in 23 Serie A games) could be the key to reviving Nigeria’s 2026 dreams. 

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In a video by Ojbsports on X, he shared insights from their first two training sessions. Here’s what he said and what it means.

1. “Loads of Meetings” Set the Tone

Lookman revealed that Chelle has been all about strategy from day one as he kicked off the tough task of leading the African powerhouse. 

It's been a busy start to life under Eric Chelle for Lookman and his Super Eagles teammates.
It's been a busy start to life under Eric Chelle for Lookman and his Super Eagles teammates.

“We’ve had loads of meetings about how the manager wants us to play,” he said. 

With a clear game plan taking shape, Nigeria’s looking to move past their 2022 World Cup miss with purpose.

A screenshot of Ademola Lookman from the video speaking about the Super Eagles.

2. A Defined Style Emerges

The Atalanta star highlighted Chelle’s focus on structure in the first two sessions held on Tuesday and Wednesday. 

“[Working on] Our game plan and aspects of how we defend and attack” are front and centre. 

Lookman says Chelle has been working on his defensive and offensive structure in the Super Eagles.
Lookman says Chelle has been working on his defensive and offensive structure in the Super Eagles.

For a team needing cohesion, after going through three coaches so far in the 2026 WCQ, this could sharpen their edge in Group C.

3. Tuesday’s Session Nailed It

Lookman was upbeat about the first session (with 22 players present) under the watchful eyes of the Malian tactician. 

Lookman clearly enjoyed the firt session under Chelle.

“Yesterday’s session went well too,” he noted. 

With Chelle’s ideas clicking early, the Super Eagles are building momentum ahead of Friday’s all-important clash against the group leaders.

4. Wednesday’s Intensity Tested Them

The second session turned up the heat as the new boss and his team increased tempo. 

“It was intense as the players tried to implement Eric Chelle’s plans and style,” Lookman admitted. 

The tempo was increased in the second session on Wednesday.

That grit could translate into a dynamic performance against Rwanda on Friday.

5. Positive Vibes All Around

No any pressure,” Lookman said, summing up the mood. “It’s all positive, we’ve keyed into his ideas.” 

It's been positive so far for the Eagles in Kigali.

With his form lighting up Serie A, his confidence could lift Nigeria toward World Cup glory.

Chelle’s revolution is underway and Africa’s finest player at the moment Lookman’s leading the charge.