Fresh Club vs Country Drama as Atletico Madrid Question NFF, Eric Chelle Over Ademola Lookman
- Atletico Madrid have raised concerns over Ademola Lookman’s heavy minutes during Nigeria friendlies
- Lookman played full 180 minutes across two international matches against Jordan and Iran
- The Spanish club fears fatigue could affect their title ambitions in La Liga and European competitions
Atletico Madrid has reportedly expressed its displeasure with the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) over the extensive playing time given to forward Ademola Lookman during the recent international break.
The Super Eagles winger, who has been in sensational form since joining Atletico Madrid from Atalanta in the winter transfer window, played a key role for Nigeria.
Source: Getty Images
Lookman completed the entire 2-2 draw against Jordan in Antalya, Turkey on Tuesday, March 31, and also played the full 90 minutes in the 2-1 victory over Iran before being substituted.
According to the Spanish publication AS, Atletico Madrid views the decision to play Lookman for the entirety of both non-competitive fixtures as excessive.
The La Liga club is reportedly concerned about managing their players’ workload, especially as they enter a critical phase of the season.
Atletico Madrid concerned over fatigue and injury
With Atletico Madrid competing for honours in La Liga, the Copa del Rey, and the UEFA Champions League, the Spanish club fears that heavy minutes on international duty could lead to fatigue or increase the risk of injury for its key players.
Source: Getty Images
As seen on Transfermarkt, Lookman’s influence since his move to Spain has been notable, scoring five goals and providing four assists in 14 appearances under Diego Simeone.
The 2023 CAF Men’s Player of the Year winner’s performances have quickly established him as an important figure in the Rojiblancos squad.
The concern from Atletico highlights the ongoing tension between club and country priorities, a recurring issue for African internationals who balance domestic league duties with national team call-ups.
Clubs like Atletico are increasingly vigilant about player workloads, particularly with the demanding schedules in Europe’s top competitions.
Lookman’s role for Nigeria and Atletico Madrid
Despite Atletico Madrid’s worries, Lookman remains committed to the Super Eagles, helping Nigeria achieve positive results during the friendlies.
The Nigerian winger’s performances underline his growing importance for the national team, especially after leading the Super Eagles to back-to-back Africa Cup of Nations silver and bronze medals in 2023 and 2025.
As Lookman returns to Madrid, all eyes will be on how Atletico integrates the Super Eagles winger into their squad for the final stretch of the season.
Lookman will be expected to maintain his impact in the title race, while the La Liga club will likely monitor his workload closely to prevent burnout.
The situation is as another reminder of the delicate balance between club ambitions and national duty, especially for players making strides in Europe’s top leagues.
Simeone reacts after Lookman’s goal
In another development, Legit.ng reported that Diego Simeone has heaped praises on Lookman after his goal against Real Madrid, despite Atletico Madrid suffering a defeat at Santiago Bernabeu on Sunday, March 22, 2026.
Atletico Madrid and Real Madrid clashed in an intense derby, which culminated in five goals, five yellow cards and a red card for Federico Valverde.
Source: Legit.ng
