Eguavoen sweating over Lookman's fitness as Atalanta dazzler misses training; update on Ola Aina

Nigeria's interim manager Augustine Eguavoen is sweating over the fitness of his star forward Ademola Lookman, two days before the Super Eagles face Rwanda in a 2025 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying match at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium, allnigeriasoccer.com reports. 

Lookman played for ninety minutes during Nigeria's 1-1 draw against Benin's Cheetahs on Thursday night, before making way for Frank Onyeka in injury time. 

It has come to light that the Atalanta dazzler played through the pain barrier against the Cheetahs and his substitution was due to fitness issues. 

The 2024 African Footballer of the Year nominee was excused from Saturday's training session at the Training Pitch of the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium after suffering a knock against the Republic of Benin. 

It remains to be seen whether Lookman will be given the greenlight by the Super Eagles medical team to make his 28th appearance for Nigeria on Monday, November 18.

Meanwhile, another former England U19 international, Ola Aina, has been ruled out of the game against Rwanda as the defender has already returned to England at the request of Nottingham Forest.

Alllnigeriasoccer.com previously reported with certainty that the right-back was attended to by the national team physios due to a knock he picked up during the matchday five clash against Benin at the Felix Houphouet Boigny Stadium in Abidjan.

The official word from the Nigeria Football Federation is that Nottingham Forest pleaded with interim Super Eagles coach Eguavoen to release the defender early for their crucial game against Arsenal since Nigeria's 2025 Africa Cup of Nations ticket has been secured. 

Ifeanyi Emmanuel 

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