Ademola Lookman: Atletico star ruled out of Tanzania vs Nigeria 2nd leg clash

Super Eagles attacker Ademola Lookman has officially been ruled out of the reverse fixture of Nigeria’s 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers against Tanzania.

The 28-year-old Atletico Madrid star started for Nigeria in the first leg of the fixture on Friday, but he was subbed off after 44 minutes after he seemed to have sustained an injury. He was then replaced by Moses Simon. Nonetheless, the team went on to claim the maximum three points.

After the game, Chelle explained that Lookman was feeling some discomfort in his knee, but they did not know the extent of the problem yet.

“Lookman’s knee took a knock, but we don’t know the full extent yet. He felt that when he tried to shoot, his knee started to bother him,” Chelle said after the match.

🚨BREAKING: Ademola Lookman out of Tanzania clash. Scan has revealed that the attacker suffered a sprain in this knee ligament during yesterday’s match. This rules him out of Nigeria’s next afcon qualfier versus Tanzania in Zanzibar on Tuesday at 2PM. #AFCON2027Q https://t.co/5uMiSsiQ58

— MikeThePundit (@Mike_ThePundit) November 14, 2026

Today, November 14, the Super Eagles media team has now confirmed that scans revealed a sprain in the knee ligament of the Atletico Madrid star. As a result, he will not play the reverse fixture of the game against Tanzania next Tuesday.

How Does Eric Chelle Set Up in Ademola Lookman’s Absence?

In Ademola Lookman’s absence, Chelle might likely tweak his lineup. In the first game in Uyo, the Franco-Malian opted for a four-man midfield with Alhassan Yusuf, Alex Iwobi, Tochukwu Nnadi, and Wilfred Ndidi.

However, that formation stifled the attack, as Nigeria did not show enough attacking impetus. But at halftime, Chelle tweaked his formation.

In attack, Nigeria had Ndidi and Iwobi in midfield, Moses Usor and Moses Simon on the wings, while Akor Adams partnered Tolu Arokodare in the up front.

Chelle is expected to stick to this formation when they travel to Zanzibar on Tuesday. The Super Eagles are expected to still control the game and boss possession. So, setting up to attack the Taifa Stars, while ensuring the team remains defensively cautious would not be out of place.

Meanwhile, for Lookman, this is a big blow. He is expected to return to Atletico Madrid so he can get further care.

But for a player who is trying to regain his form after an average start to the campaign, this injury could not have come at a worse time. There is even the possibility that he will not play football again this year.

He will be hoping to bounce back from this setback as soon as possible.