Lookman to miss Nigeria’s Tanzania qualifier with knee ligament sprain

Ademola Lookman will not be available for Nigeria’s Africa Cup of Nations qualifier against Tanzania on Tuesday after suffering a knee ligament sprain.

The Atletico Madrid attacker was injured during the Super Eagles’ 3-1 win over the Taifa Stars at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium in Uyo on Friday.

Lookman set up Alhassan Yusuf for Nigeria’s second-minute opening goal, but he was withdrawn before half-time after feeling discomfort in his knee. Moses Simon came on in his place.

A medical scan carried out after the match confirmed the nature of the injury and ruled the 29-year-old out of the return fixture in Zanzibar.

Nigeria’s media officer, Promise Efoghe, confirmed the news on Saturday.

“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,” the statement read.

Lookman is expected to return to Atletico Madrid for further assessment and treatment.

His absence leaves head coach Eric Chelle considering other attacking options for the second meeting with Tanzania. One of those contenders is Tolu Arokodare, who made a significant impact after coming on as a substitute in the first leg.

The Wolverhampton Wanderers striker scored twice in the second half as Nigeria recovered from Tanzania’s equaliser to claim a 3-1 victory.

Arokodare’s goals secured the result after the Taifa Stars had levelled, giving the Super Eagles a strong start to the latest stage of their Group L qualification campaign.

Chelle can also consider Akor Adams and Taiwo Awoniyi as he prepares his attacking line-up for Tuesday’s match.

Nigeria will travel to Zanzibar looking to build on the first-leg success and strengthen their position in the Group L qualification race.