Atlanta 1996 gold medalist Tijani Babangida has praised the tactical adjustments made by Super Eagles coach Eric Chelle at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations, suggesting that Ademola Lookman thrived in a role reminiscent of Nigeria legend Daniel Amokachi.
Statistically speaking, the Atletico Madrid dazzler was the standout player of Afcon 2025, in terms of goal involvement, having directly participated in seven goals throughout the tournament in Morocco.
Predominantly a left winger while on Super Eagles duties, Lookman was given a free role by Eric Chelle, and he flourished by netting in three successive games at Afcon 2025.
Lookman's tactical role saw him operate as a dynamic attacking outlet, stretching opposition defences with direct runs, linking midfield to attack and creating chances.
Babangida highlighted that Chelle's tactical adjustment gave Lookman the freedom to roam across the attacking line, rather than being confined to a traditional position
Speaking on Sunday Oliseh's Global Football Insights, the former Ajax Amsterdam winger said: "Seeing our games in Afcon 2025, Chelle has brought a system that is similar to our traditional setup. He removed the number 11 position and gave Lookman a free hand, like Amokachi, to walk around.
"You can only put the number 7, but number 11 is free. Lookman can run there, a striker can run there, and you have more chances for good attacks, with more midfielders involved as well.
"That was a very good system, the system we used to play. You could see Nigerians were very surprised and wondered why the Super Eagles were playing so well.
"It’s because of that system, and it worked well with the boys. I hope we can keep that atmosphere."
Lookman registered a tournament-best four assists at Afcon 2025, two more than Alex Iwobi, Samuel Chukwueze, Victor Osimhen and Akor Adams, who were among the joint second-highest assist providers.
Ifeanyi Emmanuel
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