Ademola Lookman switches allegiance to Nigeria

Leicester City winger Ademola Lookman has had his application to change his nationality to represent Nigeria instead of England approved by FIFA, it was confirmed on Thursday.

LOOKMAN WITH THE UNDER-21 TROPHY WITH ENGLAND

Lookman, who is on loan at Leicester from RB Leipzig, was part of England’s stunning title win at the 2017 Under 20s World Cup alongside the likes of Dominic Solanke, Kyle Walker-Peters and Dominic Calvert-Lewin.

The 24-year-old London native, who was born to Nigerian parents and grew up in Peckham, has not played for England’s senior team.

Lookman follows in Everton winger Alex Iwobi’s footsteps in representing England at youth level before going on to represent Nigeria at senior level.

And Nigeria have been looking to recruit Lookman since last year.

Nigerian Football Federation (NFF) chief scout Tunde Adelakun told BBC Sport Africa in November: ‘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.

LOOKMAN IN ENGLAND’S SHIRT FOR UNDER-21

‘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.’

The 24-year-old was part of England’s Under 20s World Cup winning side in 2017.

Lookman has only represented England at Under 21 level and is yet to win a senior cap.

Nigeria will look to get Lookman involved as soon as possible as they look to qualify for this winter’s World Cup in Qatar, with the Super Eagles set to face Ghana in a two-legged play-off next month.

It comes after a disappointing Africa Cup of Nations campaign, which saw them crash out at the last-16 stage after falling to a 1-0 defeat by Tunisia despite enjoying a stellar group stage record.

And with Lookman now available for selection, they will be hoping to qualify for Qatar World Cup. The Super Eagles have only failed to reach the finals once in their last seven attempts.

Lookman featured 11 times at U21 level for the Young Lions, scoring one goal under Aidy Boothroyd.