The Nigerian national team is facing the potential loss of four crucial players for their upcoming second leg of the African Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifiers against Libya. Star forwards Ademola Lookman and Samuel Chukwueze, alongside defenders Calvin Bassey and Ola Aina, are in jeopardy of suspension due to the accumulation of yellow cards.
According to CAF regulations, players who receive two yellow cards in different matches during the AFCON tournament or CAF Champions League face a one-match suspension. This rule extends to their qualifying matches as well. If any of the aforementioned players receive a yellow card during the match against Libya at the Godswill Akpabio Stadium, they will be sidelined for the second leg of the double-header clash.
It’s important to note that Lookman and Bassey both received yellow cards during Nigeria’s 3-0 victory over Benin last month, while Aina and Chukwueze were cautioned in the 0-0 draw against Rwanda in Kigali.
Despite having a squad of 23 players to choose from, the absence of these four could significantly impact Nigeria’s quest for three points in this crucial match as they aim to secure a spot in the 2025 AFCON tournament. The Super Eagles are keen to avoid any further disciplinary issues as they prepare for this pivotal encounter.
