Tanzania vs Nigeria: Injury knocks Lookman out of next crucial test

Ademola Lookman's international break is over

Ademola Lookman will miss Nigeria’s 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifier against Tanzania in Zanzibar on Tuesday. He sustained a knee ligament sprain, which also casts doubt on his availability for Atlético Madrid’s upcoming fixtures.

A scan confirmed the injury on Saturday, following the Super Eagles’ 3-1 victory over Tanzania at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium in Uyo on Friday.

The team’s media officer, Promise Efoghe, announced that the forward would be unavailable for the return fixture.

“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,” Mr Efoghe said.

Lookman was forced off late in the first half in Uyo and was replaced by Moses Simon.

Before his withdrawal, the Atlético Madrid forward had provided the assist for Alhassan Yusuf’s second-minute opener, giving Nigeria an early advantage.

However, Tanzania drew level in the 32nd minute through Alphonce Msanga, who scored with the visitors’ first shot on target.

The teams went into the break at 1-1. Still, Super Eagles coach Éric Chelle introduced Tolu Arokodare in the second half, and the striker responded with two goals to secure Nigeria’s victory.

The result revived Nigeria’s qualifying campaign following their disappointing 3-0 defeat to Guinea-Bissau in September. The Super Eagles now have six points from three matches in Group L, one behind leaders Guinea-Bissau.

Lookman’s injury comes at a difficult time for the forward, who was not used in Atlético Madrid’s 2-1 defeat to Barcelona in their LaLiga encounter on 8 November.

The Nigerian remained on the bench throughout the match despite his club seeking a late equaliser.

He now faces a race against time to recover for Atlético’s next two matches after the international break.

Diego Simeone’s side are scheduled to visit Getafe in a LaLiga fixture on 22 November before hosting Norwegian club Viking FK in the Champions League three days later.

The Getafe encounter will take place at the Coliseum, while the European fixture is scheduled for the Riyadh Air Metropolitano in Madrid.

Lookman’s availability for either match will depend on his recovery from the knee injury. Atlético will be keen to assess his condition before deciding when he can return to action.

For Nigeria, his absence is a setback as Chelle’s men prepare for Tuesday’s return fixture at the Amaan Stadium in Zanzibar, where they will seek another victory to strengthen their position in Group L.

Tunde Eludini is a graduate of the Obafemi Awolowo University Ile-Ife, Nigeria where he studied International Relations. He is a Senior Correspondent coordinating the sports section for PREMIUM TIMES. Twitter: @tundeyeludini