Super Eagles coach Eric Chelle has defended his decision to play Ademola Lookman out of position against Zimbabwe.
Lookman had a difficult time and was unable to impose himself on the game in the Super Eagles' 1-1 draw against the Warriors.
The Atalanta star played a key role in Nigeria’s 2-0 victory over Rwanda last Friday but was nowhere to be found against Zimbabwe.
The Super Eagles had to depend on Victor Osimhen, who went on to score the opening goal late in the second half, but his goal was not enough to get Nigeria the win.
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08:13 - 26.03.2025
We are almost there: One-time AFCON winner consoles unlucky Super Eagles after heartbreaking result against Zimbabwe
The one-time AFCON winner believes the Super Eagles were almost there but were just unlucky against the gallant Warriors from Zimbabwe in the crucial 2026 World Cup qualifier.
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07:10 - 26.03.2025
Nigeria vs Zimbabwe: Expert calls out ‘overthinking’ Super Eagles coach Chelle after World Cup disaster
A Nigerian football expert is not happy with some of the decisions made by Super Eagles coach Eric Chelle before and during the disastrous outing against Zimbabwe in the 2026 World Cup qualifier.
Chelle speaks on Loomkan’s position
Chelle has reacted to claims that Lookman was played out of position against Zimbabwe, which limited his chances of helping the Super Eagles.
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Speaking after the game, as shared on X, he said, “Maybe now we say the choice was not good, but if we win, we say the choice was good.”
Nigeria struggled to break down the Warriors in the first half and failed to test the goalkeeper during the game.
Lookman, who recently won the CAF African Best Player Award, was paired behind Osimhen in a 4-4-2 formation.
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However, he was swallowed by the physical presence of the Zimbabwe defenders and was not given any breathing space to make use of the ball.
With the game ending in a draw, the Super Eagles team has their work cut out as they face a difficult task in securing a World Cup ticket.