Super Eagles’ New System Unleashed Lookman’s Potential, Says Babangida

Former Nigerian winger Tijani Babangida has credited Super Eagles head coach Eric Chelle with implementing a tactical system that gave star forward Ademola Lookman the creative freedom to thrive during the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) in Morocco.

Speaking on the Sunday Oliseh’s Global Football Insights program, Babangida explained that Chelle abandoned rigid positional play, effectively removing the traditional “number 11” role on the left flank to allow Lookman to roam and influence the game from multiple areas.

“He took away the number 11 position and gave Lookman a free role to move around the pitch against the opponent,” Babangida revealed.

The former Ajax and Barcelona winger, who was known for his own blistering pace, noted that the new approach allowed for greater fluidity in attack, with midfielders pushing forward and strikers drifting wide to fill the spaces Lookman vacated.

“You can put the number 7 on the right, but the number 11 is free. Lookman can drift there, the striker can run into those channels, and suddenly you have more men in attack with the midfielders joining in as well,” the 1996 Olympic gold medallist explained.

Babangida drew parallels between Chelle’s tactics and the traditional Nigerian style of play that once made the Super Eagles a force on the continent. He said the system caught many fans by surprise due to its effectiveness.

“It was a very good system—the kind of system we used to play back in the day. Nigerians were surprised, wondering why the Super Eagles were suddenly playing so well.

It was because of that system. It suited the boys perfectly. I really hope we can maintain that positive atmosphere going forward.”