‘Choosing Nigeria has nothing to do with my parents’ – Ademola Lookman

Nigeria’s and Atalanta attacker Ademola Lookman has revealed the reason behind his nationality switch from England to Nigeria.

The 25-year-old was born and raised in London, with his roots in Nigeria, and chose to represent the African side at international level.

The former Everton lad became a full-fledged Nigerian international last year and his decision had nothing to do with her parents as he confesses he has no reason to regret that decision.

The Charlton Athletic product even played for the European giants, England at the youth level, the highlight of which was winning the FIFA U-20 World Cup in 2017.

However, the winger made his debut for the three-time African champions in a goalless draw with Ghana during a World Cup qualifier 25 March 2022 as the 26-year-old insists wearing the famous green-white kit is the best step he has taken in his career.

“It was nothing to do with my parents because they wouldn’t really tell me to go here or there,” Lookman told The Times.

“I wanted to build a career internationally. The decision was something that I thought about for a long time before making. To play for Nigeria is an honour first of all and the best decision I ever made. I’m happy I made it.”

Lookman arrived in Italy in the summer of 2022 after completing a €9m transfer from RB Leipzig having spent the 2021/22 season at Leicester City.

The Nigeria international has found the back of the net 13 times in 19 appearances in all competitions with 11 goals coming in the Serie A in 18 games to become the second top scorer behind his compatriot Victor Osimhen.

According to the team’s Portuguese coach, Jose Peseiro, the Super Eagles will bank on Lookman’s hot form as he targets qualifying for and winning the next edition of the Africa Cup of Nations.