Double blow shakes the Eagles' attack.. Nigeria seeks victory without its top two stars to chase Guinea Bissau

13.11.26 FT AFCON - Africa Cup of Nations

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Tanzania

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Nigeria have suffered another major attacking setback after Ademola Lookman was officially ruled out of Tuesday's 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifier against Tanzania following a knee injury sustained during Friday's 3-1 victory in Uyo.

The Atletico Madrid forward underwent medical examinations on Saturday 14 November which revealed a sprain to a knee ligament.

Super Eagles media officer Promise Efoghe confirmed the diagnosis and announced that Lookman would miss the return fixture in Zanzibar on 17 November.

The development comes less than 24 hours after coach Eric Chelle expressed uncertainty over the severity of the injury.

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Chelle explains what happened to Lookman

Lookman started Friday's encounter and made an immediate impact, providing the assist for Alhassan Yusuf's opening goal in the second minute.

However, the winger began experiencing discomfort towards the end of the first half and was replaced by Moses Simon in stoppage time.

Speaking after the match, Chelle revealed that Lookman initially felt pain while attempting a left footed shot before suffering another knock to the same knee.

"When he tried to score the goal with the left foot, his knee started to feel bad" the coach explained.

He added that a subsequent knock had forced the player to leave the pitch.

As Foot Africa reported following Chelle's press conference, the Nigerian coach was initially unable to confirm the extent of the problem.

Saturday's medical results have now resolved that uncertainty.

According to the latest injury update reported by Daily Post Nigeria, Lookman is expected to return to Atlético Madrid for further assessment and treatment.

No definitive recovery timetable has been announced.

Nigeria face Tanzania without Lookman and Osimhen

Lookman's absence creates another selection challenge for Chelle who is already without Victor Osimhen following the Galatasaray striker's knee surgery.

The Super Eagles will therefore approach Tuesday's encounter without two of their most prominent attacking players.

There are, however, encouraging alternatives.

Moses Simon replaced Lookman during Friday's victory while substitute Tolu Arokodare scored twice in the second half to secure Nigeria's comeback after Tanzania had equalised.

Those performances give Chelle options as he prepares another attacking combination.

Nigeria currently occupy second place in Group L with six points, one behind Guinea Bissau.

With Tanzania already qualified as tournament co hosts, the Super Eagles must finish ahead of their non-host rivals to secure a place at AFCON 2027.

Khaled Hegazy |

Editorar, en

Journaliste sportif spécialisé dans la couverture du football et la création de contenu numérique, alliant expérience éditoriale et expertise des médias sociaux.

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Nigeria

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AFCON - Africa Cup of Nations