After Chuba Akpom declared his intentions to switch his international allegiance to Nigeria, another England youngster is set to follow suit by dumping the Three Lions for the Super Eagles.
According to BBC’s Shina Okeleji, RB Leipzig winger Ademola Lookman has applied to FIFA for the permission to switch international allegiance from England to Nigeria.
The former Everton winger has represented England at youth levels and was even part of the squad that won the FIFA U-20 World Cup in 2017.
But with no competitive appearance for the England senior national team yet, Lookman is still eligible to play for Nigeria.
Speaking to BBC’S Shina Okeleji, Super Eagles technical assistant confirmed Lookman has already applied to FIFA.
“Lookman has applied for the switch, and all the documents are in order,” Nigeria’s technical assistant Tunde Adelakun said.
“It’s a positive step forward when made his commitment to Nigeria, and we are just waiting for a Fifa clearance.
“Once the go-ahead is sorted, it will be up to coach Gernot Rohr to decide if his club performance would earn him a call-up.”
While it’s a good thing he switched international allegiance, Adelakun admits Lookman will only get a call-up if he plays regularly at his club.
RB Leipzig's Ademola Lookman has applied for a switch of allegiance to the Super Eagles.
The 22-year-old winger has been capped 31 times by England at youth level.
(📝 @oluwashina) pic.twitter.com/2VGFhZnxBH
— Soar Super Eagles (@SSE_NGA) January 23, 2020
Lookman has struggled for game time with the Bundesliga leaders this season, featuring just four times in all competitions. It’s something that needs to change if he wants to get a callup to the Super Eagles squad.
“He’s one of three former England youth players we’ve filed for, but they are all aware of the caveat,” Adelakun added.
“All the players were told that they can only earn a place in the squad by playing regular club football.”
Should FIFA grant him the clearance, Lookman will join the likes of Alex Iwobi, Victor Moses, Joe Aribo and Ola Aina who all switched international allegiances to Nigeria.
