Super Eagles forward and reigning CAF Player of the Year Ademola Lookman has provided some hints as to the team's tactical planning ahead of their 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifier against Rwanda on Friday.
Lookman and his teammates have been training in Kigali under new head coach Eric Chelle, who will take charge of his first game when Nigeria take on the Amavubi at the Amahoro Stadium.
The three-time African champions are in a difficult position in the qualifiers: they remain winless after four matches, and sit fifth in the six-team group, with three draws and one loss.
With Chelle now at the helm, the Super Eagles will be hoping to turn their campaign around, and Lookman has provided some insight into the Malian's approach so far.
Lookman explains Chelle's approach to unique Super Eagles challenge
“We have had loads of meetings on how the manager wants us to play, game plans, aspects on how we defend and attack,” Lookman told journalist Babatunde Ojora in Kigali.
“It is all positive, we keyed into his ideas so we have positive feelings.
“Before the training, we had meetings, so we just implemented that today (Wednesday) in training, just getting the ideas together,” he added.
The Atalanta winger, who was recently crowned CAF African Footballer of the Year, also dismissed any pressure associated with the title, insisting his focus is on helping the team.
“No pressure, just glad to be back with the squad, back with the guys. We have a big task ahead, and we are looking forward to it,” he said.
After facing Rwanda, the Super Eagles will return to Nigeria, where they will take on Zimbabwe in Uyo next Tuesday to wrap up this round of qualifiers.
