Lookman Ruled Out Of Tanzania Return After Knee Ligament Sprain

Ademola Lookman has been ruled out of Nigeria’s return Africa Cup of Nations qualifier against Tanzania in Zanzibar on Tuesday after suffering a knee ligament sprain.

A scan confirmed the injury sustained by the Super Eagles forward during Friday’s 3-1 victory over Tanzania at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium in Uyo, team officials said.

Lookman started the match, in which Alhassan Yusuf opened the scoring before substitute Tolu Arokodare struck twice in the second half to secure all three points for Nigeria.

The Atalanta forward will not travel with the squad for Tuesday’s return fixture, leaving head coach Eric Chelle without another key attacking option.

Nigeria are already without Victor Osimhen, who is recovering from knee surgery, while Lookman’s absence further limits Chelle’s options ahead of the trip to Zanzibar.

No return date has been set for Lookman, with further medical assessment expected to establish the full extent of the injury and the length of his recovery.

Nigeria sit second in the qualifying group with six points from three matches, one behind leaders Guinea-Bissau, as they prepare for the return leg.