Atlético Madrid has criticised the Nigerian Football Federation (NFF) for overworking forward Ademola Lookman during the friendly international break.
The Spanish club expressed concerns after the 28-year-old played the full 180 minutes across two friendlies against Iran and Jordan. According to Spanish outlet AS, Atlético views the decision as excessive, especially since the matches carried no competitive stakes.
Lookman, who joined Atlético from Atalanta in February 2026, featured for Nigeria's Super Eagles in a 2-1 win over Iran and a 2-2 draw with Jordan in Turkey. He completed the full 90 minutes in both games, with a late substitution in the Iran fixture.
The club believes this heavy workload risks fatigue and injury at a key stage of the La Liga and European season, where Lookman has become an important attacker.
The 2-2 draw against Jordan in Antalya proved particularly eventful. Jordan took the lead in the 17th minute through Mousa Al-Tamari.
Goals from Moses Simon in the 25th minute and Emmanuel Fernandez in the 41st minute led 2-1 at halftime. Jordan equalised in the 77th minute via Mohammad Al-Daoud.
The match ended in chaos as Alex Iwobi received a straight red card for violent conduct in stoppage time, while Ademola Lookman was among several players booked for late fouls in a tense finish.
Atlético aims to protect its investment in Lookman, who has shown strong form since arriving in Madrid. Similar complaints have arisen in the past when clubs feel friendlies place unnecessary physical demands on key squad members.