Super Eagles head coach Eric Chelle has defended his decision to call up Ademola Lookman to his squad for this month’s World Cup qualifiers.
The reigning African footballer of the year winner has been involved in a transfer saga with Atalanta and has not featured for the club this season.
The 28-year-old was included by Eric Chelle for this month’s must-win World Cup qualifying matches against Rwanda and South Africa despite doubts about his match fitness.
While speaking ahead of Saturday’s clash against the Amavubi at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium in Uyo, Eric Chelle explained the reason for Lookman’s call up.
“About Lookman, I just want to say something. Can we do a list without the best player in Africa?
“It’s my job to decide if he can play – maybe five minutes, ten minutes, fifteen minutes, fifty minutes, sixty minutes”, the Nigerian coach stated.
“I can’t imagine making a list without this guy. I trust him, I am so confident about him.
“Tomorrow, after this training session, I will have a lot of choices to make, which is my responsibility and job.”
South Africa’s win over Lesotho on Friday means the Bafana Bafana are nine points ahead of Nigeria, who must now win all their four remaining matches to stand a chance of qualifying.
Why has Lookman not played for Atalanta this season?
The Nigerian forward has been training separately from Atalanta’s main squad and has not participated in any league match this season.
Despite handing in a transfer request to the club amid interest from Inter Milan, the 2024 Europa League champions refused to sanction a sale for the Super Eagles star.
Bayern Munich also approached the club for his signature on transfer deadline day but Atalanta rejected the German club’s initial loan approach.
The club has included Ademola Lookman in its UEFA Champions league squad, offering him a path for a return to the team this season.
