Lookman ruled out of Nigeria’s Tanzania rematch with knee ligament injury

Super Eagles forward Ademola Lookman will miss Nigeria’s 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying matchday four fixture against Tanzania after sustaining a knee injury.

The Atlético Madrid winger picked up the injury during Nigeria’s matchday three encounter against the Taifa Stars at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium in Uyo on Friday night.

Lookman was forced off towards the end of the first half and was replaced by Moses Simon.

A subsequent scan revealed that the 29-year-old had suffered a sprain to a knee ligament, ruling him out of Tuesday’s return fixture against Tanzania 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 confirmed in a statement on Saturday.

Lookman is expected to return to his club for further assessment and treatment.

Meanwhile, the Super Eagles are scheduled to depart for Zanzibar on Sunday ahead of Tuesday’s crucial encounter against the Taifa Stars.