The impressive performance of Ademola Lookman for the Nigerian national team has become a major topic of conversation as they prepare for the semi-final match against South Africa on Wednesday, February 7, 2024.
Lookman’s contribution has been significant, with three goals scored during the knockout stages. His brace against Cameroon secured a 2-0 victory for the team, while his lone strike eliminated Angola from the tournament being held in Ivory Coast.
However, Lookman’s journey to represent Nigeria wasn’t without obstacles. Despite being born to Nigerian parents in Wandsworth, Greater London, he initially played for England at the youth level.
He featured in 31 games for England from U-19 to U-21, including being part of the U20 World Cup-winning team in 2016.
Yet, five years later, he made the decision to switch nationalities to Nigeria, where he now boasts 17 caps with five goals and four assists.
The discussions regarding Lookman’s switch to Nigeria began in 2018, prompting England’s coach, Gareth Southgate, to express his efforts to dissuade him from playing for the Super Eagles.
However, Lookman’s allegiance now lies with Nigeria, and his impactful performances on the field reflect his commitment to representing his heritage on the international stage.
Southgate said: “I know every country is quite aggressive in their recruiting and I know they have always had an interest in him, but he is playing and has been in our squads, the 20s and 21s.”
“So in terms of encouragement through game time, we are doing as much as we possibly can,” the coach said after Lookman’s impressive loan spell at RB Leipzig in 2018.”
Lookman has now become an integral part of the senior national team of Nigeria and he is hoping to win the AFCON for the team for the first time since ten years ago.
Nigeria will play South Africa at Stade Bouake today, February 7, 2024, in the semi-final of the 2023 AFCON.