Tanzania vs Super Eagles: 3 Nigeria stars who could replace Lookman in Zanzibar

Ademola Lookman will miss Super Eagles’ 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifier against Tanzania after picking up a knee injury in Friday’s 3-1 win over the Taifa Stars in Uyo.

The Atletico Madrid forward is expected to miss Tuesday’s return fixture in Zanzibar after a medical scan confirmed a sprain to his knee ligament.

Lookman suffered the injury towards the end of the first half, going down without contact before Eric Chelle brought on Moses Simon.

The injury means the 2017 FIFA U20 World Cup winner will not make his 47th appearance for Nigeria in 2026. He has scored 11 goals and provided 11 assists since switching his international allegiance from England.

With Lookman unavailable, Chelle must decide who will take his place in attack. Three players are in contention to fill the gap.

Super Eagles stars who could step up after Lookman’s injury setback

1. Moses Usor

Moses Usor has made a strong international impression despite starting all three of his Super Eagles appearances from the bench.

The LASK Linz forward has already scored once and provided an assist for Nigeria, making the most of the opportunities given to him.

The 24-year-old’s versatility is another advantage. He can play on either wing, behind the striker or through the middle as a centre-forward. Usor has the pace and dribbling ability to trouble defenders, while his movement in the final third makes him a good choice alongside either Tolu Arokodare or Akor Adams.

He could be the closest replacement for Lookman, particularly if Chelle wants to retain an attacking threat on the left.

His club form also gives him a strong case for selection. He has scored four goals and provided five assists in 17 appearances for club and country this season.

2. Moses Simon

Moses Simon is another alternative for Chelle after replacing Lookman in the first meeting with Tanzania on Friday.

The Paris FC winger has plenty of experience with the Super Eagles and knows what is expected of him in the national team’s attack.

Although his goal contributions have been limited this season, Simon still has the pace and dribbling ability to trouble opponents.

His defensive work is also useful, particularly in an away fixture where Nigeria may have to spend more time without the ball.

Chelle could play him alongside Arokodare or Adams, with Simon operating from the wing and providing service for the striker.

However, the 31-year-old has yet to score for Paris FC or Nigeria this season. He will need to offer more in the final third if he gets the nod to start in Zanzibar.

3. Tolu Arokodare

Tolu Arokodare gave Chelle another selection headache with his performance against Tanzania in Uyo.

The Ajax striker started on the bench but came on at half-time and scored twice in eight minutes to help Nigeria secure a 3-1 victory. His two goals made a strong case for a starting place in Zanzibar, especially with Lookman unavailable.

Arokodare has also been scoring regularly for Ajax. He has 13 goals and four assists in 17 appearances for the Dutch club, including six goals in the UEFA Conference League.

His overall tally stands at 15 goals in 20 appearances for club and country this season.

It would be difficult for Chelle to leave him out after his display in Uyo. A partnership with either Usor or Simon could work, although playing him alongside Adams may be less appealing because both strikers have similar qualities.

Lookman’s absence is a blow for Nigeria, but Arokodare’s goals and the choices available to Chelle should give the Super Eagles enough attacking quality for Tuesday’s return fixture.