Eric Chelle will be without Ademola Lookman and Victor Osimhen when the Super Eagles face Tanzania in Tuesday’s AFCON 2027 qualifier in Zanzibar, after a knee ligament sprain ruled the Atlético Madrid forward out of the return fixture, Footynaija.com reports.
Lookman sustained the injury during Nigeria’s 3-1 victory over Tanzania in Uyo on Friday and was unable to complete the first half, with Moses Simon replacing him before the break.
The winger had made an immediate impact, providing the assist for Alhassan Yusuf’s second-minute opener before leaving the pitch with a knee problem.
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Nigeria’s medical department confirmed the latest setback after examining the forward.
“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,” the team’s medical department announced.
His absence adds to Chelle’s attacking problems, with Osimhen already unavailable for the November international fixtures after undergoing surgery on a knee injury sustained while playing for Galatasaray.
The two forwards were expected to play important roles in Nigeria’s attempt to recover from their 3-0 defeat to Guinea-Bissau, but Chelle must now prepare for the return fixture without either player.
There is, however, some encouragement from Friday’s performance. Tolu Arokodare came off the bench at half-time and scored twice in eight minutes to help Nigeria secure all three points.
Akor Adams also started the match, while Simon replaced Lookman and Moses Usor came on at the break to provide an assist for Arokodare’s second goal.
Nigeria travel to Zanzibar with a two-goal advantage, but Chelle will need his available attackers to deliver again as the Super Eagles seek another victory over the Taifa Stars.
