In Bissau, Nigeria’s Africa Cup of Nations qualifying trip turned sharply against Ademola Lookman and the Super Eagles, who were beaten 3-0 by Guinea-Bissau in their second international fixture of the October window. Dju Franculino, Mama Baldé and Álvaro Djaló scored in a result that has prompted an immediate backlash in Nigeria.
Much of the criticism has focused on head coach Eric Chelle and his use of Lookman. The Atlético de Madrid forward began in a central attacking role, operating behind the strike pair of Adams and Awoniyi, rather than from the flank where he can attack open ground and face defenders directly.
That decision was especially questioned against a Guinea-Bissau side that stayed compact and offered little room between the lines. Lookman was frequently forced to collect the ball with his back to goal, limiting the qualities that Diego Simeone has already identified at club level: his acceleration, movement from wide areas and ability to exploit space. He was replaced after 68 minutes.
Nigeria had also struggled to convince in their opening qualifier against Madagascar, despite a 2-1 victory, with Lookman again unable to make a major impact. Chelle retained the same central assignment in Bissau rather than shifting the England-born attacker back towards the wing, and the defeat has intensified scrutiny of that choice.
Lookman has no further competitive matches with Nigeria during this break, although his international travel is not yet over. The 6 October programme takes the Super Eagles to Nizhny Novgorod for a friendly against Russia, scheduled for 19:00, before the Atlético player can return to Madrid.
