Atlético Madrid Criticises NFF Over Lookman’s Heavy Workload During Friendlies

Atlético Madrid have expressed displeasure with the Nigerian Football Federation over the handling of Ademola Lookman during the recent international break. The Spanish club is concerned about the physical toll on players who featured in friendlies with limited competitive value.

The club stressed that its players are its most valuable asset and that rotations are essential to protect their condition. Lookman, who joined Atlético from Atalanta in the winter transfer window, returned from international duty having played 180 minutes across two friendlies.

He featured for the full duration in Nigeria’s 2-1 win against Iran and also played the entire match in the 2-2 draw with Jordan in Antalya, Turkey. Similarly, Atlético defender David Hancko logged 180 minutes with Slovakia, playing a World Cup qualifier against Kosovo and a friendly against Romania.

Atlético warned that federations must consider player welfare in future call-ups, especially for friendlies that risk overloading key performers. The club highlighted that many matches during the break carried no official stakes.

Since arriving in Spain, Lookman has scored five goals and provided four assists in fourteen appearances across La Liga, the Copa del Rey, and the UEFA Champions League. His performances have made him a key figure for both club and country, making careful management of his minutes a priority.

The club faced broader challenges during the break, with 14 players called up by their national teams. Their cumulative minutes reached 1,514, of which 1,424 came in friendlies. Several key players, including Jan Oblak, Alex Pubill, Matías Barrios, and Mauro Mendoza, were absent due to fitness issues.

Johnny Cardoso returned with a confirmed muscle injury, while Alexander Sorloth awaited assessment for a head wound sustained in Switzerland.

Atlético now shift focus to recovering their internationals ahead of a critical run of fixtures, including league and Champions League matches against Barcelona and a Copa final scheduled before April 18.