Nigeria release Lookman ahead of friendly in Russia

Nigeria have released Lookman despite travelling to Russia with a significantly weakened squad. The Atlético winger is not among the 18 players called up for the friendly, but his name is also absent from the list of players missing because of club refusals or physical complaints.

Ademola Lookman is therefore set to return to Atlético earlier than planned. He is due to be the first international back with Diego Simeone’s side this week, as club competition approaches its return. Atlético are scheduled to resume on Saturday, October 10, against Deportivo Alavés at Mendizorroza.

The release comes with Nigeria’s squad weakened for Tuesday’s fixture. In a statement, the federation said: “The refusal of some clubs to release their players, combined with injuries to prominent figures, has considerably weakened the ‘Super Eagles’ of Nigeria ahead of Tuesday’s international friendly against the senior men’s team of Russia.”