Super Eagles coach Eric Chelle has defended his decision to play Ademola Lookman in an unfamiliar role during Nigeria’s 1-1 draw against Zimbabwe.
Lookman, who has thrived as a winger for Atalanta, struggled to impose himself after being deployed in a central role behind Victor Osimhen in Chelle’s 4-4-2 setup.
While winger played a key role in Nigeria’s 2-0 win over Rwanda, he found it difficult to make an impact against the Warriors.
Despite Osimhen’s late goal giving Nigeria the lead, Zimbabwe capitalized on a defensive lapse in stoppage time to snatch a point, leaving the Super Eagles frustrated.
Chelle’s tactical approach saw three players fielded outside their natural positions.
Right-back Ola Aina was used at left-back, Lookman played centrally as a supporting striker, and Samuel Chukwueze was positioned in an advanced midfield role.
Lookman, the reigning African Best Player, found himself overwhelmed by Zimbabwe’s physicality, with limited space to maneuver.
Speaking after the game, Chelle explained that his setup was intentional, aiming to exploit spaces between the lines.
“I said I want to play in diamond because I like to find the player (Lookman) between the lines, between the player in the number 10 position,” Chelle said at the post match conference.
Despite Lookman’s struggles, Chelle insisted the system was effective, especially in the first half.
“If you see the first half, we could have scored a goal, so this is a very good system. Chukwueze played inside but if you see in the first half, sometimes he was on the side.”
He also praised the adaptability of Aina and Bright Osayi-Samuel, who had to adjust to different roles.
“For Ola Aina and Bright, Ola sometimes played on the left side. I think he played a very good game, and Bright too.”
However, with the Super Eagles now under pressure in their World Cup qualifying campaign, Chelle admitted the result was disappointing.
“Maybe now we say the choice was not good, but if we win, we say the choice was good.”
