Spanish giants Atlético Madrid have reportedly expressed significant dissatisfaction regarding the management of star forward Ademola Lookman by Nigeria’s national team head coach, Éric Chelle, during the recent international window. According to reports from AS, the Madrid-based club has raised formal concerns over the physical demands placed on the attacker during the Super Eagles’ two exhibition fixtures. The “Rojiblancos” are particularly unsettled by the decision to field Lookman for the entirety of both friendly matches, totaling 180 minutes of competitive action in a very short span.
Since his high-profile move from Atalanta to the Metropolitano during the winter transfer market, Lookman has become a cornerstone of the Spanish side’s tactical setup. His contributions have been vital, as evidenced by his impressive tally of five goals and four assists across 14 appearances spanning La Liga, the Copa del Rey, and the UEFA Champions League. However, his heavy involvement in Nigeria’s 2-1 victory over Iran and the subsequent 2-2 draw against Jordan in Antalya, Turkey—where he remained on the pitch for every minute of both contests—has sparked a diplomatic rift between club and country.
The hierarchy at Atlético Madrid views the workload imposed during these non-competitive friendlies as excessive and potentially detrimental to the player’s long-term fitness. With the European season entering its most grueling phase, the club is prioritizing meticulous load management to mitigate the risks of fatigue-induced injuries. There is a growing apprehension within the Atlético camp that such intensive international deployment could jeopardize their pursuit of silverware across multiple fronts, leading to calls for more collaborative communication regarding player welfare.
