Jose Peseiro is facing his first big decision as coach of the senior national team of Nigeria as he has to deal with an act of indiscipline against Atalanta winger Ademola Lookman during the last international break.
Peseiro played his first two competitive games as coach of the Nigerian team in the AFCON qualifiers winning 2-1 against Sierra Leone in Abuja before dispatching Sao Tome and Principe 10-0 in Morocco. He however encountered some difficulties along the line.
During the course of the 10-0 win over Sao Tome and Principe, Lookman refused to be subbed off and although he went ahead to score his first international goal for Nigeria, it is believe that the situation left Peseiro shell shocked.
Lookman has started the season very well at his new club Atalanta but his international future could be in doubt, particularly if the coach decide to stick to his strict disciplinary standard for every player and official in his team.
According to a backroom staff of the team, Lookman who represented England at several youth levels before finally pledging his allegiance to Nigeria early this year, might be axed from the team following that act.
“It happened really fast to be honest. Lookman openly refused to be subbed off and there was nothing the coach could do. He had to bring Moses Simon off. That act won’t go unpunished and it could be as severe as getting dropped from future games”, he told OwnGoalNigeria.com.
However, a technical crew member said Peseiro won’t drop the 24 year old as he sees it as one of the things that happens when players are keen to make an impression. He said Peseiro spoke with Lookman afterwards and the issue was resolved.
