Report: Huge Blow for Eric Chelle as Super Eagles star to miss Tanzania second-leg

According to a report by GOAL on Sunday November 15, 2026, Super Eagles head coach Eric Chelle has suffered a major setback ahead of Nigeria’s return-leg encounter against Tanzania in the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers, with Ademola Lookman ruled out of the fixture through injury.

The Atlético Madrid forward will miss Tuesday’s second-leg meeting in Zanzibar after suffering a knee ligament sprain during Nigeria’s 3-1 victory over Tanzania in the first leg at the Godswill Akpabio Stadium in Uyo.

Lookman’s injury represents a significant blow to Chelle, who will now have to reorganise his attacking options as the Super Eagles prepare for a difficult away encounter.

According to the Super Eagles press officer, medical examinations confirmed that the 29-year-old had suffered a ligament sprain, ruling him out of the return fixture.

Lookman started Friday’s encounter and played an important role in Nigeria’s impressive victory, providing the assist for Alhassan Yusuf’s opening goal in the second minute.

The former Atalanta forward produced an excellent pass that allowed Yusuf to finish clinically and give the hosts an early advantage.

He continued to cause problems for the Tanzanian defence with his movement and attacking contributions before suffering the injury late in the first half.

Lookman eventually went down during stoppage time and was unable to continue, forcing Chelle to introduce Moses Simon as his replacement.

Nigeria went on to secure a convincing 3-1 victory, with substitute Tolu Arokodare scoring twice in the second half after Tanzania had managed to equalise.

However, the latest development means Chelle will be without one of his most important attacking players when Nigeria travel to Zanzibar for the return leg.

The seriousness of Lookman’s injury was initially unclear, with Chelle describing the problem as a “little” issue after the forward experienced pain while attempting a left-footed shot before suffering another knock to the same knee.

Unfortunately for Nigeria, subsequent medical scans revealed a ligament sprain, confirming that the Atlético Madrid attacker would not be available for Tuesday’s encounter.

Lookman’s absence could provide an opportunity for Arokodare to earn a starting position after his impressive performance in the first leg.

The Wolverhampton Wanderers striker came off the bench and scored twice to help Nigeria secure all three points, making a strong case for a place in Chelle’s starting lineup.

Arokodare could potentially partner Akor Adams in attack, although the Super Eagles coach will have to consider his tactical options before deciding how to replace Lookman’s creativity and attacking influence.

The Nigerian forward has been an important member of the national team, and his ability to create chances, score goals and trouble opposition defenders will be missed against Tanzania.

Meanwhile, Lookman will also be hoping to avoid a lengthy spell on the sidelines as he returns to Atlético Madrid for further treatment and recovery.

The injury comes at an unfortunate time for the attacker, who has reportedly endured a difficult start to the season at the Spanish club.

For Chelle, the immediate priority will be ensuring that Lookman’s absence does not affect Nigeria’s chances of securing a positive result in Zanzibar.

The Super Eagles travel with a 3-1 advantage from the first leg, but Tanzania will be determined to respond on home soil.

Nigeria must therefore remain focused and avoid complacency as they attempt to strengthen their position in Group L of the 2027 AFCON qualifiers.

With Lookman unavailable, Chelle will need his other attacking players to step up and help the Super Eagles complete the job against Tanzania.

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