Lookman injury clouds Nigeria’s AFCON 2027 qualifying win over Tanzania

Ademola Lookman’s knee injury has cast doubt over his availability for Nigeria’s return against Tanzania after he was forced off during the Super Eagles’ 3-1 AFCON 2027 qualifying victory in Uyo on Friday.

The Atletico Madrid forward made an influential start at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium, combining with Akor Adams before creating the opening goal for Alhassan Yusuf after only two minutes.

Lookman remained a constant threat in attack until shortly before half-time, when he went down and indicated that he could not continue. Moses Simon replaced him before the interval, with the score level at 1-1.

Nigeria eventually secured victory through two second-half goals from substitute Tolu Arokodare.

Super Eagles head coach Eric Chelle said Lookman had been affected by a challenge during the match.

“His knee started to feel bad after he took a knock,” Chelle told reporters after the game. “That is why he had to come off.”

The explanation suggests the injury resulted from contact rather than a non-contact problem, although Lookman will need further assessment before his condition is known. Nigeria face Tanzania again in Zanzibar on Tuesday.

The latest incident adds to a series of fitness concerns involving Lookman while representing his country.

At AFCON 2025, he required treatment after a heavy challenge against Tunisia and later reassured supporters that he was “good and fine”.

The 29-year-old has also experienced muscle and other soft-tissue problems during previous international camps. At club level, absences, including a knee issue earlier in 2025, have at times restricted his availability or affected his match sharpness when he has returned to Nigeria duty.

Those interruptions have occasionally disrupted his rhythm, despite Lookman continuing to rank among the Super Eagles’ most creative attacking players in the absence of Victor Osimhen.

Atletico Madrid will be monitoring developments, with Lookman having endured an inconsistent campaign in Spain. A lengthy spell on the sidelines would be a setback for both club and country.

For Nigeria, the immediate concern is establishing the seriousness of the knee problem before the second match of the double-header. A favourable result across the two fixtures would leave Chelle’s side firmly positioned in the race for automatic qualification from Group L.

Lookman’s injury came after he had helped Nigeria take an early lead, underlining how quickly the circumstances can change during international football. The Super Eagles will hope the knock is minor and that their forward can return without a prolonged absence.