Omotayo Fashola
Ex-Super Eagles star Tijani Babangida has disclosed that national team coach Eric Chelle granted Ademola Lookman complete tactical liberty during Nigeria’s 2025 Africa Cup of Nations campaign in Morocco.
During an interview on Sunday Oliseh’s Global Football Insights, Babangida explained that Chelle abandoned rigid positional play, allowing Lookman to roam freely and exploit spaces in the opponent’s half.
The former Ajax winger noted that Chelle’s innovative approach mirrored Nigeria’s classic football philosophy, revitalizing the team’s attacking dynamics.
“The traditional number 11 role was scrapped—Lookman could drift anywhere, strikers could interchange, and suddenly we had more fluidity in attack with midfielders pushing forward,” Babangida revealed.
“This system reminded everyone of Nigeria’s golden era. Fans were amazed by the Super Eagles’ resurgence—it wasn’t just talent, but tactical brilliance.
“The players thrived under this structure. Maintaining this momentum will be crucial for future success.”
