Talented winger for Serie A club Atalanta, Ademola Lookman has opened up about his transformative decision to switch international allegiance from England to Nigeria.
Born in London to Nigerian parents, Lookman had represented England at various youth levels, including the U19s, U20s, and U21s. Despite his promising performances, he never received a call-up to the senior England team, which led him to make a pivotal career decision in 2022.
In February 2022, Lookman officially switched his allegiance to Nigeria, making his debut for the Super Eagles in a FIFA World Cup qualifier against Ghana the following month. This marked the beginning of a new chapter in his football journey, one that he describes as "massive" and life-changing.
Speaking to Sporty TV, Lookman expressed how wearing the Super Eagles jersey has been a remarkable experience, stating, "It was massive for me because that was really a big turning point in my career. Ever since I've put on the Super Eagles jersey, it has been fruitful."
Lookman's impact on the Nigerian national team has been huge. He played a crucial role in Nigeria's impressive run to the final of the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) held in Cote d'Ivoire, where he scored three goals and provided an assist. Although Nigeria fell short in the final, Lookman's performances earned him a spot in the tournament's Team of the Tournament.
Reflecting on the AFCON experience, Lookman noted, "We showed that in the last Afcon, we got to the final but unfortunately we came up a bit short. The foundations are there and it's just a fantastic feeling to be able to hold that with pride, to say I'm representing my country."
His decision to represent Nigeria has not only revitalized his international career but also enhanced his club performances. Lookman was instrumental in Atalanta's triumph in the UEFA Europa League, where he scored a hat-trick in the final against Bayer Leverkusen, leading his team to a 3-0 victory. This achievement marked a high point in his club career, showcasing his growth and development as a player since joining the Nigerian national team.
Lookman's success has not gone unnoticed, as he has been nominated for prestigious awards such as the African Men's Footballer of the Year and ranked 14th in the Ballon d'Or standings. His performances have placed him above notable players like Arsenal's Bukayo Saka and Chelsea's Cole Palmer, highlighting his rising stature in the football world.
The decision to switch allegiance was entirely Lookman's own, as he clarified that his parents did not influence his choice. He emphasized the personal significance of this decision, saying, "Playing for Nigeria has been a remarkable experience for me. It gives me the motivation and inspiration I need to try to grow in different areas, not only with regard to football but also the person."
Comments