Lookman to miss Nigeria’s Tanzania qualifier with knee injury

Ademola Lookman will miss Nigeria’s 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying matchday four fixture against Tanzania after suffering a knee ligament sprain.

The Atletico Madrid winger was injured during Nigeria’s matchday three meeting with the Taifa Stars at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium in Uyo on Friday night.

Lookman was taken off towards the end of the first half, with Moses Simon coming on in his place. A scan later confirmed the extent of the injury and ruled the 29-year-old out of Tuesday’s return match 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,” Super Eagles media officer Promise Efoghe said in a statement on Saturday.

Lookman is expected to return to Atletico Madrid, where he will undergo further assessment and receive treatment for the injury.

Nigeria are due to travel to Zanzibar on Sunday before facing Tanzania in the crucial qualifying encounter on Tuesday.