Super Eagles coach Eric Chelle defends decision to play Ola Aina, Lookman, Chukwueze out of position

Super Eagles coach Eric Chelle has defended his unorthodox use of Ademola Lookman, Ola Aina and Samuel Chukwueze during his side's 1-1 draw with Zimbabwe in a 2026 World Cup qualifying match held at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium n Uyo on Tuesday evening.

Victor Osimhen opened the scoring in the 74th minute but his goal was not enough as Tawanda Chirewa bagged an equalizer, slotting past goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali from an acute angle in stoppage time.

Opting for a 4-4-2 system, Chelle positioned three of his players outside their natural positions.

Predominantly a right back for club and country, Ola Aina slotted in at left back, with forward Ademola Lookman taking up a central role despite being a winger by trade and Samuel Chukwueze playing in a midfield position.

Chelle has defended his bold tactical decisions to deploy Ola Aina, Samuel Chukwueze and Ademola Lookman in unfamiliar positions.

Speaking at the post-match press conference, Chelle made it clear that the formation was intentional and built around creating space for his key players.

"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," Eric Chelle told reporyers. 

Despite the unusual positioning, Chelle was satisfied with how the system worked, particularly 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 noted.

He also praised the performances of Ola Aina and Bright Osayi-Samuel, both of whom were asked to adapt during the match.

"For Ola Aina and Bright, Ola sometimes played on the left side. I think he played a very good game, and Bright too," Chelle added.

In the end, the match ended in a draw — a result Chelle admitted was tough to take.

"It was difficult at the end, in the last minute, so we had a draw," he concluded.

Ifeanyi Emmanuel

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