2026 WCQ: Former Chelsea forward identifies Super Eagles player to step in for suspended Lookman

Former Chelsea forward Emmanuel Sarki has endorsed Fulham winger Samuel Chukwueze to replace the suspended Ademola Lookman in Nigeria's starting lineup for their decisive 2026 Fifa World Cup qualifier against Benin.

Lookman will miss the clash after accumulating yellow cards, with his latest booking coming during Nigeria's 2-1 victory over Lesotho.

Sarki said Chukwueze's recent form in the Premier League makes him a fitting choice to start.

"If you watch Chukwueze now at the Premier League, which is one of the difficult leagues in the world, he's doing well," Sarki told allnigeriasoccer.com.

"Chukwueze just came from AC Milan to the Premier League and he is doing well in the league. He did well in his last match.

"So by starting Chukwueze in this match (against Benin) is not wrong. It is good to start him."

The Nigerian international recently notched his first Premier League assist by setting up Ryan Sessegnon's opener in Fulham's 3-1 defeat to Bournemouth.

However, Sarki advised that the winger could be substituted if he fails to make an impact within the first half.

"If there is no impact in the match at the first 45 minutes then he can be changed but at least Chukwueze is okay to start the match.

"But anybody the coach wish to start is good because all the players are good to go for now."

Sarki expressed confidence in the Super Eagles' chances, saying the team has a strong mentality and the quality needed to secure a vital win.

"All the boys are good to go in the team. The spirit at the camp is so high. So anybody that starts even though Lookman is not in the match is good," he said.

"If you watch the performance of each of the boys in the previous game is good. They have 90% chances of winning the game we are preparing to play.

"Because a lot of them (the players) as what it takes to be a player or African best. If you do not go to the World Cup, is like losing a lot of things. Every players in the world wants to go to the World Cup."

The Super Eagles arrived in Uyo on Sunday morning following an unexpected delay to their flight from South Africa.

The Value Jet aircraft conveying the team made an emergency return to Luanda, Angola, after a cracked windscreen was detected mid-air.

Preparations are expected to begin on Sunday evening ahead of Monday's crucial Group C showdown.

Nigeria must win by at least two goals and hope South Africa fail to beat Rwanda to keep their qualification hopes alive.

Adeyemi Adewale

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