'Best player in Africa' – Eric Chelle defends decision to invite inactive Super Eagles star Lookman

Super Eagles coach Eric Chelle has strongly defended his decision to include Ademola Lookman in his squad for the upcoming 2026 World Cup qualifiers despite the forward's lack of competitive action in recent months.

The reigning African Footballer of the Year has not played for club or country since May 25, 2025 when he featured in the second half of Atalanta's 3-2 defeat to Parma on the final day of the Serie A season.

The 27-year-old was at the centre of one of the summer's most high-profile transfer sagas, with a breakdown in relations with Atalanta preventing a move away from Bergamo.

Inter Milan's advances were blocked by Atalanta, who refused to sell to a direct rival, while a £28 million bid from Bundesliga champions Bayern Munich was rejected on deadline day.

Tottenham Hotspur were also credited with interest but did not push through a formal offer.

As a result, Lookman has yet to kick a ball this season, raising concerns about his fitness and match sharpness heading into the decisive international fixtures.

Addressing those doubts at his pre-match press conference, Chelle was unequivocal in his support for the forward.

"About Lookman, I just want to say something. Can we do a list without the best player in Africa?" Chelle told reporters.

"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.

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

Before joining up with the Super Eagles in Uyo on Wednesday, September 3, Lookman had been maintaining his fitness through individual training sessions.

Ifeanyi Emmanuel

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