The Atletico Madrid forward is a doubt for Tuesday’s return leg, and the Super Eagles are already without Victor Osimhen.
Want our football coverage to show up first?
Add FootballInNigeria as a preferred source and our stories get a "Preferred" badge in your Google Top Stories, AI Overviews, and AI Mode results.
Super Eagles head coach Éric Chelle says Ademola Lookman left the pitch against Tanzania because of a knock to his knee, as FootballInNigeria.com.ng reports. The Atletico Madrid forward was withdrawn in first-half stoppage time of Nigeria’s 3-1 win in Uyo on Friday.
“He took a knock on his knee,” Chelle explained after the game, adding that the problem made it necessary for Lookman to leave the field. Moses Simon replaced him just before half-time.
Chelle gave no details on how serious the injury is. There is no confirmed timeline for recovery, and further assessment is expected from the medical team. New Bet9ja users can look up the YOHAIG welcome code at Bet9ja.
The timing matters. The return leg is on Tuesday, November 17, at the Amaan Stadium in Zanzibar, with kick-off at 2:00pm WAT. Lookman helped create the opening goal for Alhassan Yusuf and has been one of Nigeria’s key attacking pieces.
The Eagles were already without Victor Osimhen, who is set to undergo knee surgery after an injury in Galatasaray’s Champions League game against Stuttgart. Another knee problem in attack adds to the worry for Chelle.
Lookman’s minutes have been limited at club level too. He was an unused substitute in Atletico’s 2-1 home defeat to Barcelona last Sunday, and Roma are reportedly interested in a January move. Readers following the Super Eagles can see the Bet9ja welcome deal facts.
If Lookman cannot play, Chelle has options. Simon, Moses Usor, Akor Adams and Taiwo Awoniyi are all in camp, and Tolu Arokodare scored twice off the bench and was named Player of the Match.
Lookman has dealt with knee problems before. He suffered a right knee injury at Atalanta in February 2025, and the club then expected him to return within three to four weeks.
A scan will tell more, and Chelle must decide whether to risk him in Zanzibar. Readers curious about betting offers can read these Bet9ja booking code tips.
For now, the Eagles will hope the knock turns out to be minor.
📌 Did You Know?
- Lookman won the African Footballer of the Year award in 2024.
- Atletico Madrid confirmed an injury setback for Lookman after their Copa del Rey final defeat to Real Sociedad in April 2026.
- Lookman was included in the team of the tournament at the last AFCON.
- Arokodare’s second goal against Tanzania came after a Moses Usor cross, and both men came on at half-time.
- Nigeria’s second leg against Tanzania is at 2:00pm WAT, three hours earlier than the Uyo game.
