AFCON 2027 Qualifiers: Eric Chelle provides Ademola Lookman injury update as Nigeria sweat over Atletico Madrid star

Super Eagles head coach Eric Chelle has raised concerns over Ademola Lookman’s availability for Nigeria’s return fixture against Tanzania after confirming that the Atletico Madrid forward suffered a knee problem during their 3-1 victory in Uyo.

Lookman was forced off towards the end of the first half of Friday’s opening encounter at the Godswill Akpabio Stadium after going down without any contact from an opponent.

The 28-year-old, who partnered Akor Adams in Nigeria’s attack, was unable to continue and was replaced by Moses Simon, leaving Chelle with an early selection concern ahead of the reverse fixture against the Taifa Stars.

The Malian coach revealed after the match that Lookman had experienced discomfort in his knee before sustaining a knock to the same area.

Although the extent of the injury remains unclear, the Super Eagles will be hoping the former Atalanta forward recovers in time for the return encounter.

“Ademola, his knee he has a little problem. He took a shock and we don’t know if it was a shock,” Chelle revealed.

The Nigerian forward had attempted to get on the scoresheet with his left foot before the problem intensified, eventually forcing him out of the contest.

“When he tried to score the goal with his left foot, his knee started to feel bad. After that he took a knock on his knee. This is why he went off the pitch,” he added.

Calvin Bassey and Benjamin Frederick recover from cramps

While Lookman’s condition remains a concern, Chelle offered more encouraging news regarding defenders Calvin Bassey and Benjamin Frederick.

The two defenders experienced cramps during the encounter but have since been assessed and are considered to be in good physical condition.

Their recovery will come as a relief to the Super Eagles technical team as they prepare for another demanding meeting with Tanzania.

Bassey and Frederick remain important defensive options for Chelle, who will be keen to maintain the team’s defensive organisation after conceding once in the opening fixture.

The coach will now monitor Lookman’s recovery while assessing his options should the forward fail to regain full fitness before the return encounter.

Nigeria target another win against Tanzania

Nigeria head into the return fixture with a two-goal advantage after securing a 3-1 victory in Uyo.

The Super Eagles recovered from a competitive first half to establish control after the break, with Tolu Arokodare scoring twice following his introduction as a substitute.

The victory strengthened Nigeria’s position in the qualification race, but Chelle will be aware that Tanzania could pose another challenge in the reverse fixture.

Lookman’s potential absence would be a setback, particularly given his attacking influence and ability to create opportunities in the final third.

The Super Eagles will therefore hope the Atletico Madrid forward’s knee problem is not serious as they seek another positive result against the Taifa Stars.