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Former Super Eagles head coach, Jose Peseiro, has revealed the reasons behind Ademola Lookman’s decision to represent Nigeria instead of England at the senior international level.
Lookman, born in England to Nigerian parents, was eligible to play for either country. He initially pledged his international future to England, rising through their U-19, U-20, and U-21 teams and achieving significant success at youth level.
But in 2020, the talented forward made a big career move, choosing to switch allegiance and join Nigeria’s Super Eagles. This meant turning down further opportunities to pursue a spot with the Three Lions.
Speaking to Marca, Peseiro said that England’s lack of further call-ups was a key factor in Lookman’s decision.
“England stopped calling him up after his success at the Under-20 World Cup in 2017 and his appearances with the Under-21s,” Peseiro explained. “He didn’t understand it. Eventually, since his parents are Nigerians, he accepted the call-up to play for the Super Eagles just months before I arrived.”
Lookman’s switch has since been a turning point in his international career, allowing him to contribute to Nigeria’s national team while honoring his heritage.
