AFCON 2025
Nigeria’s preparations for their decisive 2026 World Cup qualifier against Benin have been hit by the news that star forward, Ademola Lookman will miss the match due to suspension.
The Atalanta winger picked up his second yellow card of the qualifying campaign during the Super Eagles’ 2–1 win over Lesotho. CAF regulations state that players who accumulate two bookings must serve a one-match ban, ruling Lookman out of the high-stakes clash with Benin.
His absence is a major setback for head coach Éric Chelle. Lookman has been one of Nigeria’s most consistent attacking outlets, offering pace, creativity and balance on the flanks.
Without him, Chelle is expected to reshuffle his front line, with options such as Samuel Chukwueze or Jerome Akor Adams likely to be considered.
Nigeria’s qualification hopes remain on a knife edge. The win over Lesotho kept them within reach of a World Cup spot, but they still trail group leaders Benin and are under pressure from South Africa. Only a victory in the final group match will give them any chance of progressing.
With Lookman sidelined and qualification still uncertain, Nigeria face a stern test of depth, discipline and composure when they take on Benin in what is effectively a must-win encounter.
