AFCONQ: Chukwueze, Lookman, Others Risk Ban

For their second leg of the African Cup of Nations qualifiers against Libya, the Nigerian national team runs the risk of losing four key players.

Star forwards Ademola Lookman and Samuel Chukwueze, along with defenders Calvin Bassey and Ola Aina are the players in danger of suspension following yellow cards picked in previous games.

According to CAF rules, any player who accumulates two yellow cards in different matches during the AFCON tournament or CAF Champions League faces a one-match suspension. This rule also applies to their qualifying matches.

When Nigeria faces the Mediterranean Knights of Libya at the Godswill Akpabio Stadium, if any of these players pick up a yellow card, they will miss the second leg of the double-header clash.

It is worth recalling that Atalanta forward Lookman and Fulham defender Bassey received yellow cards in Nigeria’s 3-0 victory over Benin in Uyo last month.

Meanwhile, Nottingham Forest defender Aina and AC Milan forward Chukwueze were cautioned during the 0-0 draw against Rwanda in Kigali.

Although Augustine Eguavoen has a pool of 23 players to choose from, these four are significant in Nigeria’s hunt for three points.

The Super Eagles will be hoping to avoid further disciplinary issues as they prepare for the crucial second leg in their bid to secure a spot in the 2025 AFCON tournament.