FIFA has granted Leicester City winger Ademola Lookman’s request to change his nationality from England to Nigeria.
The president of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), Amaju Melvin Pinnick, confirmed this on Thursday.
Lookman, who is on loan from RB Leipzig, was a major player of England’s incredible Under 20s World Cup triumph in 2017.
According to the NFF President;
“On-loan Leicester City winger, Ademola Lookman’s application to change his nationality and represent Nigeria has been approved by FIFA. Lookman was part of England’s title win at the 2017 U-20 World Cup & brings a winning mentality to our team. I can’t wait to see him make our Super Eagles that more formidable. We will be leading a delegation to the United Kingdom soon.”
…that we do play at this year's @FIFAWorldCup in Qatar. In that vein, I'm also glad to announce that the work we've put in has ensured that on-loan Leicester City winger, Ademola Lookman's application to change his nationality and represent Nigeria has been approved…
— Amaju Melvin Pinnick (@PinnickAmaju) February 10, 2022
Mr. Pinnick added;
“We are also hoping to have a zoom call with all of our players as well. The essence is to ensure that issues any player might have is thrashed out so that we all have the same focus: qualifying for the World Cup. Qatar 2022, in my opinion, is non-negotiable. Qualifying for the World Cup is our plan. Qualifying for next year’s AFCON is also built into our future plans. We will succeed, God willing.”
The 24-year-old was born to Nigerian parents in Peckham, London, but is yet to play for England’s senior team.