Former Super Eagles head coach Jose Peseiro explains why Ademola Lookman chose Nigeria over England

Former Super Eagles head coach, Jose Peseiro, has opened up on why Ademola Lookman decided to represent Nigeria instead of England at senior level.

Lookman, who was born in England to Nigerian parents, was eligible to play for both countries. He initially committed his international future to England, progressing through their U-19, U-20 and U-21 teams and enjoying notable success at youth level.

However, in 2020, the forward made a major decision to switch allegiance and represent Nigeria’s Super Eagles, turning down the chance to continue his pursuit of a place with the Three Lions.

Speaking to Marca, Peseiro explained that England’s lack of further invitations played a key role in the change.

“England stopped calling him up after his success at the Under-20 World Cup in 2017 and his appearances with the Under-21s,” Peseiro said. “He didn’t understand it. Eventually, since his parents are Nigerians, he accepted the call-up to play for the Super Eagles just months before I arrived.”