“I’ve always been Nigerian” – Ademola Lookman speaks on switching allegiance from England to Super Eagles

Super Eagles forward, Ademola Olajade Lookman, has revealed he always felt a strong pull to Nigeria even when he played for England, Soccernet.ng reports.

The 27-year-old started his International career with the Three Lions of England, representing the youth team at several tournaments, playing at the UEFA U-19 Championships, the U-21 Euro tournament, before winning the FIFA U-20 World Cup in 2017 alongside Dominic Solanke and Dominic Calvert-Lewin.

Despite his success with the English youth team, a call-up to the senior team never came, and he chose to represent the Super Eagles of Nigeria in 2022, when he was 24-years-old.

The Atalanta man revealed it wasn't an easy decision as he always felt torn between two worlds, but remained thankful for the love he's been shown by the Nigerian community.

“I've always been Nigerian. I've always been in touch with Nigeria, with the group of people and the culture. They were very welcoming, very loving and took me in as one of their own. For me it's a dream and an honour to be here, to be able to have that badge on my chest.

I've always kind of had two personalities on and off the pitch. Off the pitch, I'm very reserved, don't really speak much, but on the pitch, I have the fire, I'm still trying to achieve, and to do more. I'm never really satisfied. That's always my mindset, to always go for more,” the former Everton man said in an interview with BBC Africa.

Ademola Lookman ended up in 14th place in the 2024 Ballon d'Or rankings after a brilliant year with club and country.