Former Ajax winger Tijani Babangida has shed light on the tactical shift that powered Nigeria’s success at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco.
Speaking on Sunday Oliseh’s Global Football Insights, Babangida revealed that Super Eagles manager Eric Chelle granted Ademola Lookman a “free role” to dismantle opposing defences.
By removing the rigid constraints of a traditional number 11, Chelle allowed Lookman to roam across the pitch.
Babangida noted that this fluid system mirrors Nigeria’s historic tactical setup, creating more attacking lanes for strikers and allowing midfielders to join the offensive transition more effectively.
“It’s a system that worked perfectly with the boys,” Babangida remarked, noting how the team’s improved chemistry took many fans by surprise.