Lookman’s Knee Scare Clouds Super Eagles Win Over Tanzania

Ademola Lookman was forced off with a knee injury during Nigeria’s 3-1 victory over Tanzania in their AFCON 2027 qualifier on Friday in Uyo, raising fresh concerns over the Atlético Madrid forward’s fitness for the national team.

The 29-year-old started and played a key role in the early stages at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium. Just two minutes in, Lookman combined with Akor Adams before setting up Alhassan Yusuf for the opening goal.

He remained one of Nigeria’s most active attackers until late in the first half, when he went down and signalled he could not continue.

Moses Simon replaced him before the break as the score stood at 1-1. Nigeria went on to win through a second-half brace from substitute Tolu Arokodare.

Super Eagles head coach Eric Chelle addressed the issue in his post-match press conference. “His knee started to feel bad after he took a knock,” Chelle explained. “That is why he had to come off.”

The coach’s comments confirmed the problem was a knock to the knee rather than a more serious non-contact issue, though further assessment will determine the extent of the damage and whether Lookman can feature in the return leg in Zanzibar on Tuesday.

The incident fits a pattern of fitness concerns that have dogged Lookman in a Nigeria shirt.

During AFCON 2025 he suffered an injury scare against Tunisia after a heavy challenge, prompting him to reassure fans afterwards that he was “good and fine.”

He has also dealt with previous muscle and soft-tissue problems while on international duty, and club-level absences—including a knee issue earlier in 2025—have occasionally limited his availability or sharpness when called up.

These interruptions have sometimes left him short of rhythm, even as he remains one of the Super Eagles’ most creative options in the absence of Victor Osimhen.

Atlético Madrid will be monitoring the situation closely. Lookman has endured a stop-start campaign in Spain, and any extended absence would be unwelcome for both club and country. For Nigeria, the immediate priority is clarifying the severity ahead of the second leg against Tanzania.

A positive outcome in the double-header would keep Eric Chelle’s side firmly in the hunt for automatic qualification from Group L.

Lookman’s latest setback is a reminder of the fine margins in international football. One moment he is creating the opening goal; the next he is walking gingerly off the pitch.

The Super Eagles will hope this latest knee knock proves minor so their talismanic attacker can return quickly.