World Cup (Q): Ademola Lookman suspended for Nigeria’s clash with Benin

Ademola Lookman will be absent for Nigeria’s crucial 2026 World Cup qualifier match against Group C leaders Benin at the Godswill Akpabio Stadium on Tuesday.

Lookman will miss the encounter due to suspension, as he 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 tackled in midfield by a Lesotho defender, reacted by body-checking his opponent. Chadian referee Alhadi Allaou Mahamat deemed the action as retaliation 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 was one of eight players in the Super Eagles who were at risk of missing the final match due to being booked in earlier rounds of the qualifiers. Nigeria need a victory to have any chance of remaining in contention to qualify for the World Cup finals.