NFF President Pinnick Speaks After Lookman's Nationality Switch

The Nigerian Football Federation president Amaju Pinnick has spoken after Leicester City's Ademola Lookman completed a nationality switch to the Super Eagles ahead of the Qatar World Cup 2022.

On a post on Twitter, the NFF boss tweeted “Lookman was part of England’s title win at the 2017 U-20 World Cup and brings a winning mentality to our team. I can’t wait to see him make our Super Eagles that more formidable.

During an interview, Pinnick said, “Lookman will bring more purposefulness to the team and more attacking options.”

The 24-year old revealed his delight after the world governing body FIFA granted his permission to play for the Nigeria national team.

 

 

 

 

 

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A post shared by Ademola Lookman (@molalookman)

Speaking for the first time since his move, the forward posted on his social media,  “Delighted to announce Fifa has approved my nationality switch, Thank you for the warm welcome and I can’t wait to put on the Super Eagles shirt and represent the country.”

Lookman, who was born in Wandsworth, South West London previously represented for England at U19, U20, and U21 levels.

He received his first international call-up when he was named in the England U19 squad named for Mexico and was subsequently named in the squad for the European U19 Championships that summer.

In early 2017, Lookman turned down the opportunity to switch allegiance to Nigeria after an approach from then national team coach, Gernot Rohr.

Before the start of the just concluded AFCON, NFF shortlisted his name for the provisional squad hoping the nationality switch will be concluded before the start of the competition in Cameroon.

The switch did not materialize until now, he can finally play for Nigeria.

Lookman has scored three Premier League goals for the Foxes after managing 15 appearances and raking in 961 minutes of play for the on-going 2021-22 season.