Lookman out of Taifa Stars’ second-leg tie

Super Eagles forward, Ademola Lookman, has been ruled out of Nigeria’s 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifier against Tanzania in Zanzibar on Tuesday after a scan revealed a knee ligament injury.

The Super Eagles media team 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 report said.

The 28-year-old Atletico Madrid star started the 3-1 win in Uyo on Friday but was withdrawn in the 44th minute and replaced by Moses Simon. Lookman had set up Alhassan Yusuf’s second-minute opener before going down.

Head coach Eric Chelle had said after the game that the injury was unclear.

“Lookman’s knee took a knock, but we do not know the full extent yet. He felt that when he tried to shoot, his knee started to bother him,” he said.

Nigeria still won the game, with substitute Tolu Arokodare scoring twice, and moved to six points from three Group L games, one behind leaders Guinea-Bissau.

The return leg is at the Amaan Stadium on Tuesday, November 17, with kick-off at 2pm Nigerian time.