Super Eagles star winger Ademola Lookman will miss Nigeria’s final 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifying match against Benin Republic due to suspension. Lookman picked up his second yellow card of the qualifying campaign during Nigeria’s 2-1 win over Lesotho, triggering an automatic one-match ban for the must-win clash in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State.
The yellow card, received for an off-the-ball tackle in the match against Lesotho, came after a previous booking in the goalless draw versus South Africa. Lookman’s absence is a significant blow for head coach Eric Chelle, who will now need to find an alternative in attack for the critical encounter that could determine Nigeria’s qualification fate.
Newly capped forward Akor Adams, who scored the winner against Lesotho, is expected to step up in Lookman’s absence. Nigeria currently trails group leaders Benin Republic and South Africa, making the upcoming match a do-or-die fixture.
With their World Cup hopes hanging by a thread, the Super Eagles will rely on collective team effort and strategic adjustments to secure victory without their star player.
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