Chelle Defends Lookman Call-Up Ahead of Rwanda Clash

Super Eagles coach Eric Chelle has defended his decision to include Ademola Lookman in Nigeria’s squad for the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers, despite the forward not featuring for Atalanta so far this season.

Speaking during a press briefing on the eve of Nigeria’s crucial Group C clash against Rwanda in Abuja, Chelle brushed aside concerns over Lookman’s lack of game time, insisting the 2023 African Footballer of the Year nominee remains indispensable.

“About Lookman, I just want to say something. Can we do a list without the best player in Africa?” Chelle asked rhetorically.

“It’s my job to decide if he can play – maybe five minutes, ten minutes, fifteen minutes, fifty minutes, sixty minutes. I can’t imagine making a list without this guy. I trust him, I am so confident about him.”

Chelle stressed that his responsibility is to manage the squad and make tactical choices based on what the team needs at a particular moment.

“Tomorrow, after this training session, I will have a lot of choices to make, which is my responsibility and job,” he said.

Nigeria hosts Rwanda tonight at 18:00 in a match that could prove vital to their qualification hopes. The Super Eagles currently trail South Africa, who they face on September 9 in what is already shaping up to be a potential decider for the group’s top spot.