Moses Simon favoured to replace injured Ademola Lookman for Nigeria

Moses Simon is the leading candidate to replace injured Ademola Lookman on Nigeria’s left wing when they face Tanzania in Tuesday’s AFCON 2027 qualifier in Zanzibar.

Lookman has been ruled out of the return fixture after a scan confirmed he suffered a sprained knee ligament during Nigeria’s 3-1 victory over Tanzania in Uyo on Friday. Soccernet reported the scan result earlier on Sunday.

Nigeria manager Eric Chelle turned to Simon when Lookman went off late in the first half. The 31-year-old Paris FC winger completed the match on the left as the Super Eagles secured a convincing win.

Alhassan Yusuf opened the scoring inside two minutes, but Tanzania equalised in the 32nd minute. Tolu Arokodare restored Nigeria’s lead seven minutes after half-time before adding a second in the 60th minute.

That match also allowed Chelle to assess another possible replacement. Moses Usor, the LASK Linz forward, has made each of his three appearances for Nigeria as a substitute, contributing one goal and one assist. He has also recorded four goals and five assists in 17 matches for club and country this season.

Usor’s influence after coming on in Uyo has led to suggestions that he could be the more natural replacement for Lookman. Simon, however, offers a different set of qualities.

He has not scored for either Paris FC or Nigeria this season, but his case is built around his work without the ball, his pace and his experience in matches of this importance. His ability to track back could be particularly valuable in an away fixture where Nigeria may have to withstand pressure before looking to attack.

Why Simon could start in Zanzibar

Nigeria’s advantage from Friday’s match will not carry over to Tuesday. This is a group fixture rather than the second half of a two-legged tie, and the Super Eagles’ six points leave them one behind leaders Guinea-Bissau. A draw in Zanzibar would leave Nigeria chasing in March.

Tanzania have nothing to lose as co-hosts who have already qualified. With that in mind, Simon’s defensive discipline and work rate may make him the safer starting option than a younger player still developing in the role at this level.

Usor has produced the stronger attacking numbers this season, which could make him more effective from the bench. His energy and finishing may be better suited to the later stages, when Tanzania tire and larger spaces become available.

Chelle must also decide who leads the attack. If Arokodare’s two goals earn him a starting place alongside Akor Adams, a wide player able to deliver early crosses while also protecting the defence becomes even more important.

Nigeria need all three points from Group L, and Chelle’s decision on the left could provide a clear indication of how he intends to secure them. Kick-off is at 14:00 WAT on Tuesday.