Ademola Lookman has revealed what prompted his decision to switch nationality from England to Nigeria, reports Completesports.com.
Lookman represented England at youth level and was part of the U-20 side that won the World Cup in South Korea in 2017.
The Wandsworth born star accepted to represent Nigeria through his parents and received the approval from Federation Of International Football Association (FIFA) last month.
The winger made his debut against the Black Stars of Ghana last Friday replacing Moses Simon in the 74th minute.
“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.”
The Super Eagles will host the Black Stars in the second leg of the 2022 FIFA World Cup playoffs tie at the Moshood Abiola Stadium, Abuja on Tuesday.
Read Also: Bassey Targets World Cup Berth After Super Eagles Debut
The Leicester City man is backing his side to subdue Otto Addo’s men and secure a place in Qatar.
“This is a special event, special moments, the expectations are high. For us, it’s about winning and giving our best in the match,” Lookman continues.
“Ghana is a strong team, very competitive and physical. We expect that but we’ll be ready.”
The former Charlton Athletic and Fulham star is also relishing the prospect of making podium successes with the Super Eagles.
“I hope to create great and memorable memories. Belief is a great thing not just in football, but I am sure when you believe put in hard work which I’ve been putting in you can achieve,” he said.
“I work every day to achieve my goal. I am glad to be a part of African history and glad to be here and I hope to give you [Nigerians] sweet memories.”
The winner of the doubleheader between the two nations will claim one of the five African slots for Qatar 2022 and Lookman will be keen to make an impactful presence in Tuesday.
By Adeboye Amosu
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COMMENTS
If I were you bro I would have choosen ENGLAND..
Cos honestly with ENGLAND there would be high chances of WINNING TROPHIES…
And you dont have to protest before your MATCH BONUSES and ALLOWANCES is being PAID…
But all the same all the BEST!!!
Monkey always act like monkey.
My dear friend, how many trophies has England won since 1967?
At least Nigeria has won 3 AFCONs within that period, so Lookman is in the right path my brother
Banks am weighing his chances in the FUTURE if he had opted to play for the 3 LION.
And why did you decide not to analyze the MATCH BONUS part.
LMFAO…
Guess you agree with me on that one…
LMFAO!!
Bro what are you saying? Who told England pays their national team playee bonus? Whatever bonus is donated to EFA. It’s an association for retired English national team footballers. More like pension.
Now I know that this Monkey Post is not a Nigerian, how can you say that? And why do you bother commenting on this forum. This is a forum of Nigerian fans that wish their team well and not for Idiots like you that wish only doom for the SE, Thunder fire your entire generation for saying my beloved country can’t win trophies, Bastard like you. Apart from 1966 World Cup, which trophy has England won at Senior Level?? Nigeria is always more likely to win a trophy than England. Monkey Post, I am out for you on this platform. I will continue abusing your cursed generation any time you make another comment on this platform until you run back to the jungle you came out from. Stupid offspring of a harlot.
He is only pretending to be a Nigerian
He’s most likely Gernot Rohr or one of his associates that lost their jobs after the coach was let go of by the NFF.
You’re a street-wise guy, a characteristic Naija man. It is not easy to throw away the English pension and opt for Nigeria. Shows the love of country in you.
Like we say: You are a true son of your father.
God bless.
@KangA, another unpatriotic fellow, why not stop commenting here and stop watching Nigerian football. It’s not by force naa, Just leave us alone , we that believe in SE and also believe that our system will get better, You know the Stress and Energy NFF went through to effect Lookman’s change to Nigeria, you are here spilling trash,
@Emecco,
I’m short of words! Are you high on something? Me, unpatriotic Nigerian? Could you point out what I’ve written that even remotely insinuates that I am against Lookman or anti-Nigerian? Look, if you are a ware ward fellow who skipped school at your youth and ended up with a porous brain, know whom to pick on this forum. Otherwise I’ll descend on you and crush your imbecilic confused brain like a tank.
What I deserve is an apology, and it is not too late to go back to school. The alternative? You’ll continue to make yourself a laughingstock . Bastard.
@;Kang A, Oh, bro, I didn’t assimilate your post well, I was so irritated by Monkey Post’s comment, You are a true Patriot, together we shall conquer. Disregard my earlier Post pls.
Three Gbosas for Lookman. Gbosas, Gbosa, Gbosa. Lolzzzz Lolzzzz……. You have world cup in your blood. You will help Nigeria win the World Cup. Heaven bless Lookman the Great and all deserving dual nationality Super Eagles players.
I was jublating the day FIFA clear lookman. We still need conny, tireless and rugged midfielders and defender’s.
Just look at Tomori who went on Twitter to announce his call-up by England and has been playing well for AC Milan. Yet, he has been cap-tied and won’t likely make it to the World Cup in his life while Ola Aina, Lookman, Aribo and Bassey will likely do.
My brother @KangA
I tell you mehn..
ENGLISH FOOTBALLERS are being treated like KINGS(Better WELFARE PACKAGE etc)
Even after RETIREMENT, they are being paid PENSION through the PROFESSIONAL FOOTBALLERS ASSOCIATION SCHEME
UNlike our EX that come out on SOCIAL MEDIA everytime to beg for 2 MILLION NAIRA
LMFAO!!!
I think it’s excellent that Lookman decided to switch nationality from England to Nigeria.
It shows that he is proud of his roots and is willing to represent his country of origin.
I believe that more young people should be encouraged to do this, as it can only help to improve relations between countries.
Furthermore, I like that Lookman is already familiar with Nigeria and its people, as this will make it easier for him to settle in and feel at home.
What a shame that the Super Eagles have to play the Black Stars of Ghana in the second leg of the 2022 FIFA World Cup playoffs tie.
I’m sure both teams will give their all, but I believe Nigeria has what it takes to win. Pretty excited to see how this one plays out!
I appreciate that Lookman is looking forward to making some great memories with the Super Eagles.
I hope he can achieve his goals and help the team qualify for the World Cup in Qatar.
This would be a massive boost for Nigerian football and help raise the sport’s profile in the country.