Head coach of the senior national team of Nigeria Eric Chelle has defended his decision to include Ademola Lookman in the team ahead of their upcoming games against Rwanda and South Africa respectively in the world cup qualifiers, OwnGoalNigeria.com reports.
Lookman have been inactive for more than two months after going on strike to force a move to Inter Milan from Atalanta. He returned and didn’t get to play a game before his call up by Nigeria.
Chelle was asked about his decision to include the transfer rebel, largely due to the fact that he hasn’t play a minute this season, and the coach said it’s a decision that he has to make for the good of the team.
” I can’t make a team and leave the best player in Africa out of my team. I know of the transfer situation and not playing for Atalanta but it’s my job to make decisions and I believe he will be of help to us tomorrow”, the coach said ahead of tomorrow’s game against Rwanda in Uyo.
He went further to explain the kind of role, the 27 year old will likely play in the game against Rwanda, which they can’t afford to lose after falling nine points behind group leaders South Africa following their 3-0 win over Lesotho earlier today.
” I will decide after today’s training when I will play him. Maybe 15 minutes, 5 minutes or 60 minutes. It is my job and we will see tomorrow”.
Mohammed Mowiz Suleiman
