Nigeria’s Super Eagles have suffered a major setback ahead of their 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifying return-leg encounter against Tanzania, with forward Ademola Lookman ruled out after sustaining a knee ligament sprain.
The injury was confirmed on Saturday by Promise Efoghe, the Super Eagles’ media officer, following medical examinations conducted after Nigeria’s 3-1 victory over Tanzania in Uyo on Friday.
Efoghe disclosed that scan results showed Lookman had suffered a sprain affecting a ligament in his knee, making him unavailable for Tuesday’s return fixture in Zanzibar.
The forward sustained the injury during Nigeria’s Matchday Three encounter against the Taifa Stars at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium.
Injury setback for Nigeria’s attacking plans
Lookman’s absence represents a significant loss for the Super Eagles as they prepare for a difficult away assignment against Tanzania.
The forward has been an important part of Nigeria’s attacking setup, contributing creativity, movement, pace and goal-scoring ability in the final third.
His unavailability will require the technical crew to consider alternative attacking options as the team prepares for the return encounter.
The development comes shortly after Nigeria recorded an important victory that strengthened its position in the AFCON qualifying campaign.
Super Eagles prepare for Tanzania rematch
Nigeria defeated Tanzania 3-1 in Uyo to collect three valuable points and take its Group L tally to six after three matches.
The Super Eagles will travel to Zanzibar for Tuesday’s Matchday Four fixture, where they will attempt to maintain their qualification momentum despite the absence of one of their key attacking players.
The technical team will now have to adjust its plans as Nigeria seeks another positive result against the Taifa Stars.
Three East African countries already qualified
Kenya, Tanzania and Uganda have already secured automatic places at the 2027 AFCON finals as the tournament’s co-hosts.
Their participation leaves the remaining qualification places to be contested by other national teams across the continent.
The 2027 Africa Cup of Nations will be jointly hosted by the three East African countries, marking an important occasion for football in the region.
For Nigeria, the immediate priority will be overcoming Lookman’s absence and securing a result in Zanzibar to strengthen its chances of reaching the continental tournament.
