Ademola Lookman: FIFA gives go-ahead to represent Nigeria

Ademola Lookman has gotten the green light from world football governing body, FIFA, to represent Nigeria in football competitions with the Super Eagles, BSNSports.com.ng reports. The 24-year-old London native, who was born to Nigerian parents and grew up in Peckham, has not played for England's senior team. The 24-year-old is on loan at the King Power Stadium from RB Leipzig, having previously represented Everton and Charlton Athletic. Lookman has not represented England’s senior team, but was an Under-19, Under-20, and Under-21 youth international. He was part of the squad that won the Under-20 World Cup in 2017. His path follows that of Alex Iwobi, who declared for Nigeria after representing England at junior level in 2015, and Joe Aribo, who grew up in neighbouring Camberwell. Sone Aluko, Victor Moses, Shola Ameobi, and Ola Aina have also all successfully swapped nationalities to Nigeria.

Nigeria will look to get Lookman involved as soon as possible as they look to qualify for this winter's World Cup in Qatar, with the Super Eagles set to face Ghana in a two-legged play-off next month.

It comes after a disappointing Africa Cup of Nations campaign, which saw them crash out at the last-16 stage after falling to a 1-0 defeat by Tunisia despite enjoying a stellar group stage record.

And with Lookman now available for selection, they will be hoping to qualify for Qatar World Cup. The Super Eagles have only failed to reach the finals once in their last seven attempts.