Nigeria’s Super Eagles have suffered a major injury setback ahead of Tuesday’s 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying return fixture against Tanzania, with forward Ademola Lookman ruled out after sustaining a knee ligament sprain.
The injury was confirmed following medical scans conducted after Nigeria’s 3-1 victory over Tanzania at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium in Uyo on Friday.
Super Eagles media officer, Promise Efoghe, disclosed that the Atlético Madrid forward would be unavailable for the Matchday Four encounter scheduled for the Amaan Stadium in Zanzibar.
“Scan has revealed Ademola Lookman suffered a sprain in his knee ligament during yesterday’s match. This rules him out of Nigeria’s next AFCON qualifier versus Tanzania in Zanzibar on Tuesday,” Efoghe said.
Lookman sustained the injury during Friday’s encounter and was substituted before the end of the first half after experiencing discomfort in his knee.
The 28-year-old had earlier provided the assist for Alhassan Yusuf’s second-minute opener before leaving the pitch and making way for Moses Simon.
His absence represents a setback for head coach Éric Chelle, who will have to adjust his attacking options as Nigeria seek another victory against the Taifa Stars.
However, the Super Eagles will take confidence from their first-leg performance, particularly the contribution of substitute Tolu Arokodare, whose second-half brace secured the victory.
Arokodare scored in the 52nd and 60th minutes to help Nigeria recover from Tanzania’s equaliser and claim all three points.
Meanwhile, Chelle has received encouraging news regarding defenders Calvin Bassey and Benjamin Fredrick, who were reported to have recovered from cramps sustained during the encounter.
Nigeria currently have six points from three matches in Group L, one behind leaders Guinea-Bissau.
The Super Eagles will travel to Zanzibar seeking another victory to strengthen their chances of securing qualification for the 2027 AFCON tournament.
Tuesday’s encounter is scheduled to kick off at 2pm Nigerian time.
