Super Eagles suffer major setback as Ademola Lookman is ruled out of Tanzania return fixture

According to a report by Daily Post on Sunday November 15, 2026, Super Eagles forward Ademola Lookman will miss Nigeria’s 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifier against Tanzania in Zanzibar on Tuesday after a medical scan confirmed that he suffered a sprain in his knee ligament.

The injury represents a significant setback for head coach Eric Chelle, who will now have to make changes to his attacking plans ahead of the important return fixture.

Lookman sustained the injury during Nigeria’s 3-1 victory over Tanzania at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium in Uyo on Friday.

The Atletico Madrid winger went down late in the first half and was subsequently replaced by Moses Simon, who took over his position on the left side of the Super Eagles attack.

Although Chelle initially played down concerns surrounding the injury after the match, the results of a medical scan conducted on Saturday confirmed that the Nigerian international had suffered a knee ligament sprain.

According to reports, Super Eagles media officer Promise Efoghe confirmed the development in an official statement, as reported by Complete Sports.

“Scan has revealed Ademola Lookman suffered a sprain in his knee ligament during yesterday’s match,” the statement read.

Lookman is expected to return to Atletico Madrid for further medical assessment and treatment, while the rest of the Nigerian squad travel to Zanzibar ahead of Tuesday’s encounter.

However, no specific recovery timeline has been provided, leaving uncertainty over how long the former Atalanta attacker could be unavailable.

Lookman’s absence will be particularly disappointing for Chelle because of the important role he plays in the Super Eagles’ attacking setup.

The 28-year-old has established himself as one of Nigeria’s most influential attacking players, offering creativity, pace and the ability to trouble opposition defenders with his direct runs.

His contribution was already evident in Friday’s meeting with Tanzania, when he provided the assist for Alhassan Yusuf’s opening goal inside the first two minutes.

Lookman received the ball and used his attacking qualities to create the opportunity that allowed Yusuf to put Nigeria ahead.

His ability to carry the ball forward, escape pressure and create chances makes him an important outlet for the Super Eagles, particularly when they are playing against opponents who defend deep or attempt to dominate possession.

Consequently, Chelle will have to find a way to replace not just his attacking contribution but also his ability to relieve pressure on the Nigerian team.

Moses Simon appears to be the leading candidate to take his place in the starting lineup.

The Paris FC winger replaced Lookman in Uyo and played the remainder of the encounter on the left flank as Nigeria eventually secured a convincing victory.

His experience, pace and defensive work rate could make him a valuable option for the return fixture, especially considering the difficulties Nigeria could encounter away from home.

However, Chelle also has Moses Usor available as another attacking option. The LASK Linz forward has impressed with his contributions since making his debut for the Super Eagles and could offer additional attacking creativity.

Another possibility would be to change the team’s attacking structure by starting Tolu Arokodare alongside Akor Adams and allowing the full-backs to provide width.

Arokodare strengthened his case for more playing time after scoring twice in the second half of Friday’s victory, demonstrating that Nigeria have other attacking options capable of delivering important goals.

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