Lookman ruled out of Nigeria’s Tanzania qualifier with knee ligament sprain

Nigeria forward Ademola Lookman will miss the Super Eagles’ crucial 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifier against Tanzania after scans confirmed he has suffered a sprain to a knee ligament.

The Atletico Madrid player was injured during Nigeria’s 3-1 victory over the Taifa Stars in the first leg at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium in Uyo on Friday.

Lookman started the match and made an immediate contribution, setting up Alhassan Yusuf to score Nigeria’s opener in the second minute.

However, he was forced off shortly before half-time after experiencing discomfort while attempting a left-footed shot. He also took a further knock to the same knee and was replaced by Moses Simon in the 44th minute, or first-half stoppage time.

The diagnosis was confirmed on Saturday by Super Eagles media officer Promise Efoghe.

“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 is expected to return to his Spanish club for additional assessment and treatment.

Nigeria head coach Eric Chelle had initially described the injury as “a little problem” after Friday’s match. He said Lookman first felt his knee begin to trouble him while taking the shot, before suffering another impact that led to his early withdrawal.

Medical examinations have since confirmed that the forward will not be available for the return fixture in Zanzibar.

The setback comes as Nigeria prepare for their Matchday Four meeting with Tanzania. The Super Eagles have six points from their opening three Group L matches, one point behind leaders Guinea-Bissau.

Lookman’s absence removes an important source of creativity, pace and attacking threat from Chelle’s side, which is already dealing with other absences in the squad.

There was more encouraging news regarding defenders Calvin Bassey and Benjamin Fredrick, who both experienced cramps during the first leg. They have been reported to have recovered and remain available.

Nigeria also have several attacking alternatives. Tolu Arokodare came off the bench to score twice and complete the 3-1 win in Uyo, while Akor Adams and Moses Simon offer further options for Chelle.

The manager is expected to reorganise his forward line around those players for the trip to Zanzibar, where Nigeria will seek to strengthen their position in the group and build on their first-leg advantage.

Lookman’s recovery will now be closely watched by both the Super Eagles and Atletico Madrid, with Nigeria hoping the forward can return to action for club and country as soon as possible.