Nigerian forward Ademola Lookman has been ruled out of Nigeria’s upcoming 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifying encounter against Tanzania following a knee ligament injury sustained during the team’s previous match.

A medical scan conducted after the encounter reportedly confirmed that the Atalanta forward suffered a sprain to a ligament in his knee, effectively ruling him out of Tuesday’s crucial fixture against the Taifa Stars in Zanzibar.

Lookman’s absence represents a setback for Nigeria, considering his importance to the Super Eagles' attacking department. 

The former African Footballer of the Year has established himself as one of the team's key attacking figures, bringing pace, creativity, goals and the ability to unlock opposing defences.

The 28 year old was instrumental in Nigeria’s impressive run to the final of the 2023 AFCON in Ivory Coast, where he scored three goals, including decisive strikes against Cameroon and Angola in the knockout stages.

His injury now leaves the Super Eagles technical crew with the task of finding an adequate replacement as preparations continue for the Tanzania encounter, with other attacking options expected to step up in his absence.

Meanwhile, Nigerian football fans have been urged to send their goodwill messages to the forward and wish him a speedy recovery as he begins his rehabilitation process.