Izuchukwu Okosi
Super Eagles forward Ademola Lookman has expressed his elation to represent Nigeria after the world football ruling body, FIFA, granted his application to switch allegiance from England to Nigeria.
Join our WhatsApp ChannelThe 24-year-old who was part of England’s U-20 FIFA World Cup winning team in 2017 on Monday suggested that the fact that his parents are full blooded Nigerians played a part in his decision to dump England at the senior level.
Lookman made his debut for the Super Eagles against the Black Stars of Ghana in a 2022 FIFA World Cup playoff last Friday in Kumasi, after he replaced Moses Simon in the 74th minute during the encounter.
“I am very excited to be part of Nigeria’s National team and I’m feeling blessed and looking forward to helping the team,” Lookman told CAFOnline.com.
“Both my parents are Nigerians and I’ve always seen these [representing Nigeria] as a possibility. I came to Nigeria, frequently when I was much younger.
“I am familiar with the people and built up a family here, so the switch from England to Nigeria is not an unusual one for me. I am glad I made the switch.”
And after making his debut for Nigeria on Friday, Lookman took to Twitter to express his joy, “Extremely proud and grateful to have made my @NGSuperEagles debut.
“Thank you God for the opportunity, it means everything to put on the shirt and represent my country. See you on Tuesday. We need your support.”
Lookman could be in line to make his first start for Nigeria as regular starter in his position Samuel Chukwueze is currently nursing a hamstring injury sustained in the goalless draw against Ghana last Friday.
Izuchukwu Okosi is a Nigerian sports and entertainment journalist with two decades of experience in the media industry having begun his media journey in 2002 as an intern at Mundial Sports International (MSI) and Africa Independent Television (AIT), owners of Daar Communications Plc.
