Lookman ruled out of Benin clash in World Cup qualifier setback for Nigeria

By Tosin Omojola –

Nigeria’s quest for a ticket to the 2026 World Cup has suffered a huge blow, as the Super Eagles will play their crucial Group C final tie against Benin Republic without reigning African Best Player, Ademola Lookman.

The Super Eagles will file out against Group C leaders, Benin Republic, on Tuesday in Uyo, hoping for a convincing win to upstage the Beninese at the top, while also praying that Rwanda deny South Africa maximum points.

However, in what could be described as a major setback for the Eagles, star forward Ademola Lookman will miss the encounter due to suspension.

Lookman, one of Nigeria’s standout performers in the qualifiers so far, picked up a second yellow card of the campaign during Friday’s 2–1 win over Lesotho in Polokwane, South Africa. The booking automatically rules him out of the must-win tie against Benin.

The incident occurred in the 64th minute when Lookman, after being harshly tackled in midfield by a Lesotho defender, reacted by body-checking his opponent. Chadian referee Alhadi Allaou Mahamat deemed the action retaliatory and promptly issued a yellow card.

It was Lookman’s second caution of the qualifying series, the first coming in the 18th minute of last month’s away match against South Africa. The cumulative bookings have now triggered an automatic one-match suspension.

Lookman’s absence is a huge blow for Nigeria, who must defeat Benin to keep their World Cup qualification hopes alive.

The Atalanta forward has been instrumental in recent matches, contributing pace, creativity, and attacking spark to the Super Eagles’ frontline.