England U-20 World Cup hero to switch allegiance to Nigeria

The England youth standout hopes to switch his international allegiance to Nigeria but won’t be making his Super Eagles debut for a while yet.

Leicester City winger Ademola Lookman has chosen to switch his international allegiance from England to Nigeria.

The 24-year-old London native qualifies to represent the Super Eagles through his Nigerian parents. However, as keen as he is to make the switch, he won’t make his debut during this month’s international break.

The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) must first lodge an application to FIFA to allow Lookman to play for the national team, as he has already represented England at youth level. Manager Gernot Rohr will then decide whether or not to include him in the squad.

“We are aware of Lookman’s desire to play for us, and I have spoken to him as well. However, there is a process to it,” NFF chief scout Tunde Adelakun told BBC Sport Africa.

“After this process, then comes the consideration and decision of the head coach [Gernot Rohr] on whether or when he deems it fit to get him involved.”

How has Lookman done in international football?

The former Everton, RB Leipzig and Fulham star represented England at Under-19, Under-20, and Under-21 levels until September 2019.

The highlight of his international career so far was helping England win the U-20 World Cup in 2017. He starred alongside the likes of Dominic Calvert-Lewin and Fikayo Tomori, scoring three goals.

But Lookman’s struggles in club football, along with the high level of competition for places in the England senior team, means the winger has not won a single cap. Therefore, he has opted to join Nigeria.