Super Eagles winger Ademola Lookman will miss Tuesday’s crucial 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifying match against Benin Republic after receiving a second yellow card in the qualifying campaign. The Atalanta forward was cautioned in the 64th minute during Nigeria’s 1–0 victory over Lesotho on Friday by Chadian referee Alhadi Allaou Mahamat for retaliation. The 27-year-old had earlier been booked in the Super Eagles’ previous qualifier against South Africa last month, triggering an automatic one-match suspension under FIFA’s disciplinary rules. With Lookman ruled out, Samuel Chukwueze is expected to take his place in the starting line-up when Nigeria face the Squirrels of Benin Republic in Cotonou on Tuesday. Chukwueze, who came on as a second-half substitute against Lesotho, is now in line to make his first start of the qualifying series as the Super Eagles aim to consolidate their position in Group C.
Ademola Lookman suspended for Nigeria’s World Cup Qualifier against Benin Republic
