*Lookman Unavailable For Benin Clash Over Second Yellow Card
DESPITE Nigeria’s 2-1 defeat of Lesotho in Polokwane, South Africa, in the CAF-World Cup Qualifier on Friday, October 10, the Super Eagles next opponents, Benin Republic, have an advantage of qualification, as no clear leader has emerged after a dramatic Match Day 9, having secured away defeat of Rwanda by 1-0.
According to Sports Village Square, the margin with South Africa has, however, been reduced to one point, following Bafana Bafana’s 0-0 encounter with Zimbabwe.
These results mean that Benin now need just a draw in their final group match against Nigeria on Tuesday to seal their first-ever World Cup qualification, while Nigeria must beat Benin in Uyo, hoping that Rwanda either defeat or hold South Africa to a draw away in Johannesburg to stand a chance.
All Friday’s matches were played simultaneously, and at the end, it is now a three-horse race, as Benin Republic, South Africa and Nigeria figth to finish for the single group ticket.
Meanwhile, Super Eagles suffered a major setback ahead of their decider against Benin Republic on Tuesday, October 14, in Uyo, as forward, Ademola Lookman, will miss the encounter due to suspension.
Lookman picked up a second yellow card of the campaign during Friday’s win over Lesotho, which automatically rules him out of the match.
The 64th minute booking occurred when Lookman, after being harshly tackled in midfield by a Lesotho defender, reacted by body-checking his opponent, and Chadian referee, Alhadi Allaou Mahamat, wasted no time issuing him a yellow card.
It was his second in the qualifying series, with the first coming in the 18th minute of last month’s away match against South Africa.
Lookman’s absence is a huge blow for the Eagles, who must defeat Benin to keep their qualification hopes alive.
