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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08:34 - 18.03.2025
Rwanda vs Nigeria: Super Eagles captain Troost-Ekong leads Lookman, Ndidi, Iwobi and Bassey to camp
The England boys arrive in the Kigali camp, and the Super Eagles camp continues to grow with Troost-Ekong, Lookman, Ndidi, Iwobi, and Bassey for the Nigeria vs Rwanda World Cup qualifier.
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09:45 - 19.03.2025
19-goal hot Tea feeling 'Like a winner already' after surprise Super Eagles call-up
It's teatime for giant striker Toluwase Arokodare who is brewing up Super Eagles dream after a surprise but expected national call for the crucial WCQ against Rwanda and Zimbabwe.
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.
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“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.
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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.
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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.
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“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.
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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.”
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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.