AFCON qualifiers: Eric Chelle provides update on Bassey, Lookman, Fredrick’s fitness

Super Eagles head coach Eric Chelle has offered an update on the fitness of Ademola Lookman, Calvin Bassey and Benjamin Fredrick following Nigeria’s opening-leg victory over Tanzania.

Nigeria secured a 3-1 win over the Taifa Stars on Friday at the Godswill Akpabio Stadium in Uyo, but the result was overshadowed by an injury concern involving Lookman.

The Atletico Madrid attacker started alongside Akor Adams in Nigeria’s forward line but was forced off before half-time after picking up a knee problem. Lookman went down without any apparent contact, prompting Chelle to introduce Moses Simon as his replacement.

Speaking after the encounter, Chelle disclosed that the former Atalanta star had experienced discomfort in his knee, leaving his availability for the return fixture uncertain.

“Ademola, his knee, he has a little problem. He took a knock, and we don’t know if it was a knock,” the Super Eagles coach revealed.

The Malian tactician further explained that Lookman initially felt pain while attempting to score with his left foot before sustaining another knock to the same knee.

“When he tried to score the goal with his left foot, his knee started to feel bad. After that, he took a knock on his knee. This is why he went off the pitch,” he concluded.

Meanwhile, Chelle provided more encouraging news regarding defenders Calvin Bassey and Benjamin Fredrick, confirming that both players are in good physical condition after recovering from cramps during the game.

The Super Eagles will be hoping Lookman makes a timely recovery ahead of the return encounter against Tanzania, with Chelle keen to have his attacking options available for the crucial fixture.