Former Super Eagles head coach Jose Peseiro explains why Ademola Lookman chose Nigeria over England
Gossip • 2d ago
**Nigeria's Gain: The Untold Story of Ademola Lookman's Switch**
In the world of Nigerian football, there's a fascinating tale of international allegiance that has sparked interest among fans. Ademola Lookman, the English-born, Nigerian-raised forward, stunned the football community when he opted to represent the Super Eagles over England. But what led to this dramatic switch? We dive into the story behind this intriguing decision.
As we all know, Lookman's football journey began in England, where he rose through the youth ranks, gaining impressive experience with the Three Lions. However, his international football dreams were put on hold when he wasn't called up by England for several years, despite his notable success in youth tournaments. This lack of recognition, coupled with the fact that his parents are Nigerian, ultimately led to his decision to switch allegiances.
According to Super Eagles' former head coach, Jose Peseiro, England's lack of further invitations to Lookman was a significant factor in his decision. Peseiro revealed that the forward's parents, being Nigerian, played a crucial role in his decision-making process. The fact that England had stopped calling him up after his impressive performances at the Under-20 World Cup in 2017 and with the Under-21s meant that Lookman had to explore other options.
In 2020, Lookman made the bold decision to represent Nigeria at the senior level, accepting the call-up just months before Peseiro took over as Super Eagles' coach. This switch not only delighted Nigerian fans but also marked a significant milestone in Lookman's international football journey.
The story of Ademola Lookman serves as a reminder that football is not just about the game; it's also about identity, nationality, and the connections that shape our lives. As Nigeria continues to strive for greatness on the football pitch, Lookman's decision to represent the Super Eagles has brought renewed hope and excitement to our football-loving nation.
In conclusion, Lookman's switch to the Super Eagles is a testament to the power of identity and the importance of family ties in international football. As we look forward to the future, it's clear that Nigeria's football journey has just gained an exciting new chapter with Ademola Lookman on board.